Status: 02/02/2022 07:36 a.m
At least 24 people have died in floods in Ecuador’s capital Quito and many are still missing. A tidal wave caused by heavy rains had flooded the streets and swept away cars.
At least 24 people died in the worst floods in two decades in Ecuador’s capital Quito. Twelve people are still missing and 48 are injured, authorities said.
At least 24 people die in floods in Ecuador’s capital
Tagesschau 07:00 a.m., February 2nd, 2022
Flooding began Monday on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano, which towers over the city. According to Mayor Santiago Guarderas, 75 liters of rain fell per square meter – the most since 2003.
According to Guarderas, the heavy rain overflowed a catch basin on the slope of the volcano, causing a kilometer-long tidal wave to erupt. The pool had therefore taken almost four times the usual amount of water.
Helpers search for more missing people.
Image: REUTERS
Tidal wave meets sports field
Footage from local media showed the muddy floodwaters reaching Quito’s streets as rescuers help residents get to safety. Cars were engulfed in debris and mud, houses were flooded. The power supply also collapsed.
The tsunami also swept over a sports field where volleyball players were practicing in front of spectators. It was initially unclear how many of them were among the victims.
Further fatalities cannot be ruled out
Soldiers were mobilized to help rescue workers with the cleanup and recovery work. Authorities did not rule out that more bodies could be found under the mud and rubble, while the military with dogs continued the search for survivors.
Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He tweeted that authorities would continue their search and rescue efforts and clean-up efforts. Injured would be cared for in health centers and psychologically cared for.
Heavy rains since October
Heavy rains have hit 22 of the South American country’s 24 provinces since October. According to civil protection, at least 18 people were killed and 24 others injured by Sunday. Scientists have long warned that climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfall worldwide.