Ecuador is bereaved by a natural disaster following heavy rains. At least six people were killed and thirty others are still missing after a landslide in a tourist region in the south of the country, authorities announced on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred in the municipality of Baños de Agua Santa, a picturesque area in the province of Tungurahua (center) located at the foot of an active volcano.
Several seaside resorts closed
“Due to the rains that fell on the area, a landslide of some magnitude occurred, affecting people and equipment,” the National Risk Management Secretariat said in a message to the media. The first report therefore shows six dead, six injured and thirty missing. In addition, several seaside resorts were closed, as well as the main access road to the area.
The rains started on Saturday evening and are continuing, complicating rescue operations. “The weather conditions are not favorable” for clearing the road, warned the state emergency agency, ECU 911. The sediments transported by the water also put three hydroelectric plants out of service, said Public Works Minister Roberto Luque, adding that this “makes power cuts necessary.”
The return of rains after a long drought
In April, Ecuador experienced electricity rationing due to a prolonged drought associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The situation returned to normal at the beginning of May with the return of precipitation. According to the presidential office, the heavy rains also caused damage in other areas, with a total of 48 emergencies recorded across the country.