Six Pakistani servicemen, including a senior commander, were killed in a helicopter crash during flood relief operations in southwestern Pakistan, the army confirmed on Tuesday.

Pakistani civil authorities rely heavily on the military during natural calamities such as the floods that inundated parts of the country in this monsoon season.

A helicopter on a rescue operation in Balochistan was reported missing on Monday evening along with six passengers and crew, including one of the army’s top commanders, Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ali.

In a statement Tuesday, the military said all aboard died in an accident they attributed to bad weather.

“All six officers and soldiers… embraced shahadat (martyrdom),” he said.

The wreckage of the unfortunate hel which was on flood relief operation was found at Musa Goth, Windar, Lasbela. All 6 officers and sldrs, including Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali, embraced the shahadat. اِنّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
The accident happened due to bad weather according to the first investigations. DTF pic.twitter.com/dnyano2vqC

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 2, 2022

Heavy monsoon rains and deadly floods have hit Pakistan hard this year, particularly in Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.

At least 478 people have died so far, including 136 in Balochistan.