Landslide Hits Andean Community in Ecuador
A massive landslide hit the Andean community of Alausi in Ecuador on Sunday night, burying dozens of homes, killing at least 11 people, and leaving around 67 missing. The disaster affected over 500 people and destroyed 163 homes.
Search for Survivors Continues
Relatives of the victims have been digging through the dirt in search of survivors. Professional rescuers also worked through the night using digging equipment to search for people buried under the debris. The search for survivors will continue as long as there is hope and faith, according to Jorge Montanero, chief of the city of Guayaquil’s fire department rescue group.
Warning about Potential Landslide Danger
Ecuador’s disaster agency had warned about potential landslide danger for the area in Alausi in February, which included part of the zone where Sunday’s landslide hit. Heavy rains destroyed roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, and the government has ordered some 600 homes to be evacuated with three shelters set up to care for those affected.
President Lasso Visits Affected Area
President Guillermo Lasso visited the area on Monday night and offered to extend the rescue operation to find the missing. He promised that “No effort or resources will be spared” in helping those affected by the landslide.
Terrain Conditions Make Search for Survivors Difficult
The terrain conditions have made the search for survivors difficult as the area is covered by more than two million cubic meters of earth, mud, and rocks that have buried houses up to three stories high. Rescuers are using dogs to help locate possible survivors. However, there are fears that another landslide could occur.
Residents Urged to Evacuate
People were urged to evacuate the area after landslides and cracks began to develop two months ago. Some residents evacuated, while others did not, and some were able to move into more stable housing.
Video Footage Shows People Fleeing Homes
Video footage showed people fleeing their homes and transporting belongings as the landslide hit. Survivors were housed in temporary shelters as families lost everything and left the area.
Landslide Affects Potable Water Service
The risk management agency estimated that 60% of potable water service in the area had been affected due to the landslide. Some schools will be switching to online classes since several buildings have been damaged.
In conclusion, Ecuador is facing a humanitarian crisis as dozens of people are still missing, and many families have lost their homes and possessions due to the landslide in Alausi. Teams of rescuers continue to search for survivors as heavy rains threaten another potential landslide. The government has ordered evacuations of nearby areas, and President Lasso has promised to spare no effort in helping those affected by this tragedy.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
