A landslide hit a community in central Ecuador, killing at least seven people and leaving dozens missing. The confirmed death toll is currently at seven, while over 30 people have been rescued, and 62 are missing. The landslide impacted around 500 people and 163 homes, with more than 50 houses buried under tons of mud and debris. Rescuers were dispatched from six cities to assist, and firefighters focused on the landslide’s flanks, where remnants and debris of homes were discovered. Survivors were housed in temporary shelters, and some schools switched to online classes. The disaster affected 60% of the potable water service in the area and destroyed part of the Pan-American Highway. Meanwhile, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso consoled the victims’ families and vowed to continue the search for survivors. Among those impacted were the Zuña family, who lost everything except for the clothes on their backs.
Landslide in Ecuador kills at least 7, with dozens missing.
A massive landslide hit an Andean community in central Ecuador, resulting in dozens of homes being buried, at least seven deaths, and rescuers frantically searching for survivors. Authorities reported 16 deaths earlier, but the confirmed number was seven, as stated by President Guillermo Lasso when he arrived at the disaster site in Alausí, which is around 137 miles south of Quito, on Monday evening. Officials also increased the number of missing people to 62.
The Ecuadorian Risk Management Secretariat revealed that more than 30 people were rescued after the mountainside collapsed around 10 p.m. on Sunday, and 23 people were injured. The emergency response agency estimated that 500 people and 163 homes were impacted by the landslide, which also destroyed part of the Pan-American Highway.
Residents of the area said they heard tremors on the mountain before the landslide, which was about 150 meters wide and almost a half-mile long, and swept away trees, houses, and other buildings. Over 50 houses were buried under tons of mud and debris. The landslide also impacted the area’s water supply, with 60% of the potable water service affected, and some schools shifting to online classes.
Firefighters from six cities were sent to the area to assist, and rescuers concentrated on the landslide’s flanks, where they discovered remnants and debris of homes. However, rescuer and paramedic Alberto Escobar stated that it was improbable more survivors would be discovered because of the time elapsed. He noted that the search would proceed as long as the weather remained dry.
Survivors, who were put up in temporary shelters, mourned their fate. Luis Ángel González, who lost his mother and other family members, stated, “My mother is buried under the mud. I am so sad, devastated. There is nothing here, no houses, no anything. We are homeless without family.” Meanwhile, President Lasso consoled the victims’ families and stated that the government would continue to work to locate survivors.
Zuña family loses everything in Ecuador landslide
The Zuña family was among those affected by the recent landslide in central Ecuador. They had been staying in the Iglesia Matriz de Alausí, where authorities had set up emergency bunk beds due to the risk of landslides. Sonia Guadalupe Zuña stated that her mother was hesitant to leave their home, but they eventually went to the shelter. Unfortunately, while walking on the rails, the landslide occurred, burying everything they had except for the clothes on their backs. Zuña shared that her family is leaving but added that they learned that material things are not as valuable as being together.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
