Major damage after worst flooding in 11 years hits Cuenca, Ecuador
Severe floods swept through Cuenca, capital of Azuay Province in Ecuador on Saturday, May 15, 2021, resulting in major damage that affected around 500 people. According to authorities, it was the worst flood the area has seen since 2010.
Nearly 70 homes were damaged or destroyed by floodwaters more than 1 m (3 feet) deep, affecting around 500 people from 100 families, the National Risk and Emergency Management Service (SNGRE) reported.
Three of Cuenca's rivers burst their banks on Saturday afternoon, with the Rio Tarqui registering historic levels.
Tarqui River reached 249 cubic m (8 793 cubic feet) on the weekend, which was its highest since 2010, when it hit 200 cubic m (7 062 feet), according to the Hydrometeorological Network of the Municipal Company Etapa.
"This is the worst natural disaster we have faced in years and our police, firefighters and public utility personnel are doing all they can to protect human life, livestock, and property," said Cuenca Mayor Pedro Palacios. Emergency teams reported making nearly 100 rescues through Sunday.
Personal de @RiesgosCuenca realiza inspección al sector de La Calera Baja por desbordamiento Río Tarqui.
Luego de evaluación se emite criterios técnicos correspondientes a los propietarios de predios privados se gestiona con @emac_ep @OOPPCuenca @pedropalaciosu #CuencaUnida pic.twitter.com/KuYWb4Dc0H
— @RiesgosCuenca (@RiesgosCuenca) May 16, 2021
Al momento se evacua a casa de familiares acogientes varios enceres de las personas del sector de Zhucay, sus viviendas sufrieron daños, se coordina el trabajo conjunto con @PolmunicipalGC @pedropalaciosu #CuencaUnida pic.twitter.com/LWunAdUuqf
— @RiesgosCuenca (@RiesgosCuenca) May 16, 2021
En el sector puente de Zhucay aguas abajo, el caudal ha bajado, existen viviendas que presentan fisuras parcialmente destruida y una colápsala además con agua en su interior.
Luego de la evaluación se emite criterios técnicos correspondientes. @pedropalaciosu #CuencaUnida pic.twitter.com/r3Bd7JfrFS
— @RiesgosCuenca (@RiesgosCuenca) May 16, 2021
AHORA | Se realiza evacuación de agua de las viviendas en los sectores de Carmen de Guzho, Alfonso Pinzón, Zhucay, Av. Primero de Mayo, Circo Social. pic.twitter.com/incVq1T52T
— Bomberos Cuenca (@Bomberos_Cuenca) May 16, 2021
"Transportation has been stopped on most of the highways leading into town by flooding and landslides and our crews are working hard on remediation," he added. "The damage is extensive and it will take several days to evaluate the losses."
One of the worst-hit areas was El Carmen de Guzho Bajo as flooding turned streets to rivers, stranding people in their homes.
Featured image credit: Riesgos Cuenca
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.