America News Agency

Troops have been searching the mountainous forests of northern Malawi after a plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others disappeared on Monday.

The plane carrying Chilima, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri and eight others left Lilongwe at 9.17 am and was expected to land 45 minutes later at Mzuzu International Airport, about 370km north.

President Lazarus Chakwera said in a speech broadcast live on state television channel MBC on Monday night that air traffic control at Mzuzu told pilots not to land and to turn back due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility.

He said air traffic control lost contact with the plane, and it disappeared from radar a short time later.

"I know this is a heartbreaking situation. I know we are all scared and worried. I am worried, too. But I want to assure you that I am sparing no resources to find that plane. I maintain every ounce of hope that we will find survivors," Chakwera said.