Ecuador: Deadly Landslides Triggered by Torrential Rains Kills 6, Leave Dozens Missing

At least six people died in landslides in Baños, Ecuador, following heavy rain.

After days of heavy rain, several homes were buried underneath tons of mud that slid down a hillside. More than a dozen people were injured, and a main road was cut off.

A state of emergency has been declared in Baños, BBC reports.

Officials reported that around 30 people who were initially missing have been found alive. Heavy machinery has been dispatched to clear roads blocked by rocks and mud.

Local media revealed that five of the six confirmed dead were from the same family.

Residents have been advised to stock up on bottled water due to possible disruptions in the tap water supply.

The mayor also urged locals to stay home to minimize traffic on the affected roads. Schools will remain closed on Monday, with classes held online.

A shelter has been opened for those whose homes were damaged.

Landslides and Flooding Wreak Havoc

The Ecuador landslides on Sunday buried a highway in mud and debris, hitting three cars, two houses, and a bus.

Baños, known as a gateway for adventures in the Amazon jungle and Ecuador's volcanoes, is about 135 kilometers (84 miles) south of the capital, Quito, by air or 186 kilometers (115 miles) by road.

Heavy rains have drenched Ecuador and other parts of the region, leading to widespread damage, according to AP News.

Earlier this week, a landslide in El Salvador killed two children.

Storms have caused rivers across Ecuador to overflow, sending floods and mudflows onto highways and bridges.

The Pisque River flooded a popular waterpark north of Quito on Sunday, although there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Emergency workers reported multiple Ecuador landslides blocking or destroying streets, slowing rescue efforts.

Baños Mayor Miguel Guevara has asked residents to avoid treacherous roads as authorities race to clear the area and search for more victims.

In the canton of Chambo, military personnel helped evacuate citizens after a river overflowed.

Public Works Minister Roberto Luque stated that operations at three hydroelectric plants were affected.

He expressed solidarity with affected families in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Regional Impact of Severe Weather

The Ecuadorean Secretariat for Risk Management confirmed a landslide in Baños de Agua Santa, where more than 30 missing people were found.

The tourist destination faces severe infrastructure damage due to heavy storms, Mint noted.

Major highways linking the highlands to Amazonian provinces are severed, and overflowing rivers, including the Pisque River, have caused flooding.

Emergency workers are struggling with rescue operations due to blocked streets.

Mayor Guevara urged residents to avoid dangerous roads while efforts to clear the northern coastal area continue.

Heavy rains have also impacted El Salvador and Guatemala, causing casualties and flight diversions.

The national government pledged support to affected areas, setting up emergency shelters and closely monitoring the situation.

Residents of Baños are advised to stay indoors to facilitate rescue operations.

The downpours have devastated Baños and other regions in Ecuador, disrupting daily life and causing significant damage.

As the community recovers, the focus is on ensuring residents' safety, providing immediate relief, and rebuilding.

Cooperation between local authorities, emergency responders, and the national government is essential to overcoming the challenges posed by this natural disaster.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Waves of mud crash through Ecuadorian town as landslide kills six | AFP - From AFP News Agency