The Peruvian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopter vanished from radar on Sunday while supporting communities devastated by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in the Arequipa region. The aircraft was en route from Pisco in the Ica region to the Chala area to deliver assistance amid the ongoing disaster.
Search and rescue teams discovered the wreckage on Monday near Chala Viejo (or Chala district), confirming that all aboard—four crew members and 11 passengers—perished in the incident. Among the victims were seven children, including one as young as three years old. Reports indicate that some military personnel were traveling with family members, adding to the heartbreak.
The Peruvian Air Force issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the “irreparable” loss and offering condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. An official investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash and the loss of contact.
The accident unfolded against a backdrop of extreme weather battering southern Peru, particularly Arequipa and nearby areas. Torrential downpours have caused widespread flooding, swollen rivers, mudslides, and blocked roads, submerging homes and isolating communities. Emergency responders have been evacuating residents and providing supplies to hard-to-reach zones.
Beyond the helicopter tragedy, the storms have claimed additional lives: an elderly woman was swept away by floodwaters in the Cayma district, and a man was fatally struck by lightning. Authorities report that thousands have been affected, with numerous homes damaged or declared uninhabitable, and thousands seeking shelter.
Arequipa’s regional governor has urgently requested national government intervention, including a potential state of emergency declaration, as local resources struggle to cope with the scale of destruction. Videos from locals depict raging muddy torrents flooding streets, stranded vehicles, and families desperately trying to save what they can from ruined homes.
Peru frequently experiences such seasonal flooding, but this year’s intense storms—combined with vulnerable infrastructure—have amplified the devastation. Helicopters like the Mi-17 are vital for reaching cut-off areas, making this crash a painful blow to both relief efforts and public morale.
As the investigation proceeds, Peru unites in mourning those who lost their lives while trying to save others, highlighting the immense dangers faced by disaster response teams.
