A rescue helicopter carrying relief supplies to flood-affected areas in northern Pakistan crashed on Friday, killing all five crew members on board, according to AFP. The tragic incident occurred in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and was attributed to bad weather.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the crash in a statement, saying, “An MI-17 helicopter of the provincial government, carrying relief goods for rain-affected areas of Bajaur, crashed in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district due to bad weather. Five crew members, including two pilots, were killed.”

Initial reports from news agency PTI indicate that the helicopter had taken off from Peshawar and lost contact mid-flight over the Mohmand tribal district. Authorities have yet to confirm whether poor weather was the sole cause of the crash or if other factors were involved. A rescue team has been dispatched to the site.

The crash comes amid devastating monsoon rains that have battered northern Pakistan, causing widespread landslides and flash floods. In the past 24 hours alone, at least 164 people have lost their lives, according to AFP. The worst-hit area has been the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where 150 deaths have been reported, as per the National Disaster Management Authority.

With more rain forecasted, Pakistan’s meteorological department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the northwest, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel or exposure to vulnerable areas.