Authorities in Malawi are currently conducting a search and rescue operation for a missing military aircraft that was carrying the country's vice president and nine other individuals. The plane departed from Malawi's capital on Monday morning but failed to reach its intended destination, with authorities losing contact with the aircraft.
Weather conditions have been identified as a potential factor in the disappearance of the aircraft, with reports indicating that bad weather, including fog and poor visibility, has been hampering search efforts. The search operation, now in its second day, involves a combination of air and ground teams, including 200 soldiers from the Malawi Defense Force, police personnel, civil aviation authorities, and forestry service officers.
The search area, located in the rough and thick terrain of the Chikangawa Forest, has posed challenges for search teams due to its uninhabited nature and difficult access. Despite the adverse conditions, search efforts are ongoing, utilizing aircraft, both fixed-wing and rotor, as well as drones to locate the missing plane.
President Lazaro Chikwera has expressed determination in allocating all available resources to locate the aircraft and any potential survivors. The initial flight from Lilongwe to Mzuzu was supposed to be a one-hour journey, but the pilot encountered poor visibility upon attempting to land in Mzuzu, prompting a return to Lilongwe before contact was lost.
International assistance has been sought, with neighboring countries and nations such as the U.S., U.K., Norway, and Israel offering support. The U.S. embassy in Malawi has provided a C-12 military aircraft to aid in the search and rescue operation. However, misinformation circulating on social media has added to the challenges faced by authorities in managing the situation.
