Rescue teams pose in front of the H125 helicopter that has been deployed to support search and rescue missions in Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert region. Eric Weisser Photo
An H125 rotorcraft chartered by the Airbus Helicopters Foundation has joined rescue activity in Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert region, where the heaviest rainfall in 80 years has caused massive flooding and landslides.
With support provided by Airbus Helicopters representatives in Chile, the Santiago-based H125 from Transporte Aereo Albatros Ltda. was flown to the affected zone, where it began transporting search and rescue personnel. This rotorcraft has also been available for flights to locate those trapped or isolated by the natural disaster.
Recent downpours in the Atacama Desert region – which normally is one of the world’s driest areas – destroyed homes and bridges, cut off roads, and left thousands stranded as rivers broke their banks and flash floods filled dry valleys.
“Helping those in need is a vital role that rotorcraft perform around the world during times of crisis, and supporting the ongoing rescue operations in Chile fulfills our primary mission for the Airbus Helicopters Foundation,” said Guillaume Faury, who is CEO of Airbus Helicopters and serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Foundation.
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