Destructive storms hit Ecuador, claiming at least 10 lives

Severe storms hit parts of Ecuador on Sunday, June 16, 2024, causing rivers to overflow, destroying homes, roads and bridges, and leaving at least 10 people dead, many injured and several missing.

The worst affected was Baños, Ecuador, where a devastating landslide on June 16 claimed the lives of at least eight people, leaving many more injured, and several missing. The disaster followed days of torrential rain that destabilized a hillside, causing it to collapse and bury parts of the city under tonnes of mud and debris.

The landslide surged over a highway in the central Ecuadorean city of Baños on Sunday, June 16, claiming the lives of at least eight people, including five members of the same family.

The violent flow of mud and debris hit three cars, two houses, and a bus, cutting off a main road and creating a chaotic scene that has since left the city grappling with the aftermath.

Initial reports indicated six fatalities, but by Monday, June 17, two additional bodies were discovered, bringing the death toll to eight.

Additionally, 22 people were injured, and more than 30 individuals were initially reported missing. However, these missing persons have since been found alive, according to officials.

Rescue operations began immediately following the landslide. Deputy Fire Chief Capt. Angel Barriga reported that rescuers were treating nine injured individuals and had retrieved six bodies from the disaster site by Sunday.

Over 30 people were initially reported missing, but subsequent searches found them alive, alleviating some of the immediate fears of a higher death toll.

Authorities have deployed heavy machinery to clear the roads, obstructed by rocks and mud, hindering rescue efforts.

The mayor of Baños, Miguel Guevara, declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors to avoid treacherous roads and to facilitate the work of emergency services. Schools in Baños remained closed on Monday, with classes shifting to online platforms to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Baños, a city renowned for its appeal to tourists seeking adventures in the Amazon jungle and its proximity to Ecuador’s volcanoes and craters, is now a scene of devastation. The city, located about 135 km (84 miles) south of Quito by air or 186 km (115 miles) by road, is known for its resilience, and its residents are now coming together to support one another through the crisis.

Meteorologists attribute the heavy rains to an area of low pressure that moved over Ecuador on Sunday. This weather system brought heavy rainfall, causing several rivers, including the Pisque River, to overflow their banks.

The torrential rains led to widespread flooding and exacerbated the risk of landslides across the region. The area of low pressure has since moved north, raising concerns about possible flooding and landslides in El Salvador.

The extreme weather comes just months after Ecuador experienced a severe drought. The sudden shift from drought to heavy rainfall has placed immense strain on the infrastructure and emergency services, which are now working around the clock to manage the crisis.

The heavy rains and resultant landslides have affected at least 13 provinces in Ecuador. In addition to the fatalities in Baños, two other people died in different provinces due to the rains.

The storms have caused multiple landslides and flooding, destroying bridges and highways and severing the main road connecting Ecuador’s highlands to its Amazonian provinces. Emergency workers are racing against time to clear debris and restore access to isolated communities.

Officials are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.

In response to the disaster, local authorities have opened shelters for those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. The mayor of Baños has also encouraged residents to stock up on bottled water, warning that the supply of tap water could be contaminated due to the severe rains.

Efforts are being made to ensure that basic necessities are available to all affected residents.

References:

¹ Torrential rains trigger deadly landslides in Ecuador – BBC – June 17, 2024

² Six killed in Ecuador as heavy rains trigger landslide – Al Jazeera – June 17, 2024

³ Rescuers find more victims after a landslide in Ecuador, rising the death toll to 8 – AP – June 18, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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