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Fatal helicopter crash during Peru flood rescue mission
Fifteen people, including seven children, died when a Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashed on Sunday while assisting flood relief efforts in the country's hard-hit Arequipa region.
Crash details and recovery
The aircraft lost radio contact during its mission and was discovered on Monday in the Chala district, according to military officials. Among the victims were 11 passengers and four crew members, with one child as young as three years old.
The helicopter had departed from Pisco in the Ica region and was en route to Chala in Arequipa to support search and rescue operations when it went down near Chala Viejo, a coastal town.
Victims and military response
Local reports indicated that some military personnel on board were accompanied by family members. The Peruvian Air Force expressed its grief in a statement, saying, "Our deepest condolences to the family members, friends, and the entire FAP family for the irreparable loss of our crew and passengers."
An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.
Widespread flooding devastates Arequipa
The helicopter was deployed amid catastrophic flooding triggered by relentless rainfall in Arequipa, where mudslides, collapsed infrastructure, and overflowing rivers have wreaked havoc. At least two additional deaths have been linked to the storms: an elderly woman swept away by floodwaters in Cayma district and a man struck by lightning.
Regional governor Rohel Sánchez stated that local authorities have requested national government assistance after declaring numerous homes "uninhabitable" due to damage. Footage from the area showed torrents of mud and debris surging through streets and floodwaters inundating residential properties.
Ongoing relief efforts
Emergency teams continue to respond to the crisis as weather conditions persist. The Peruvian government has not yet announced further measures to support affected communities.
