A severe landslide in a popular tourist region of Ecuador has resulted in significant casualties and damage, according to the latest reports from Ecuadorian authorities on Monday, June 17. The landslide, which occurred on Sunday following intense heavy rains, has claimed the lives of seven people and left 22 others injured. Initial reports on Sunday mentioned six fatalities and numerous injuries, with 30 individuals who were traveling on a bus initially reported missing. However, the National Risk Management Secretariat (SNGR) has since confirmed that all individuals on the bus have been located and are safe. Among the injured, four individuals are in critical condition.
The disaster struck in the municipalities of Baños de Agua Santa and Cotopaxi, a central Tungurahua province known for its attractions at the foot of an active volcano. Despite rescue efforts, ten people remain missing in the Baños area, as reported by the local mayor, Marlon Guevara. Highlighting the severity of the rain, Guevara remarked that such intense rainfall has not been experienced in the area for 20 years. The landslide has devastated nearly an entire neighborhood, causing widespread alarm and distress among residents and officials alike.
The heavy rains have wreaked havoc not only in Baños de Agua Santa but across ten of Ecuador's 24 provinces, triggering landslides and flooding. The climatic phenomenon El Niño, particularly potent this year, has exacerbated temperature increases in the region. This phenomenon has led to Ecuador experiencing an unusually dry season in recent months, compounding the severity of the current rains and resulting floods.
In Baños de Agua Santa, the landslide disrupted the main road, severely impacting people and machinery operating in the area. Initial tolls recorded six deaths and ten injuries, but figures have since been updated, with ongoing rescue operations in the complex weather conditions. Local police have warned that the death toll could rise as the situation evolves and more areas are surveyed.
The severe weather has also affected other parts of Ecuador. In the Andean province of Chimborazo, the overflowing Puela River has led to the collapse of a bridge and homes being put at risk. Similarly, the Chimbo River's overflow has necessitated the evacuation of 55 tourists in the Guso sector. Snow and hail on the Chimborazo volcano have caused road closures due to hazardous conditions, impeding access to the city of Riobamba.
In the Amazonian province of Morona Santiago, the flooding Tutanangoza River has destabilized a bridge's foundation. Overflowing rivers including Malicuaba, Palora, Oyacachi, Tigre, Burcay, and Copueno have affected other regions, disrupting daily life and displacing residents. The Pisque River overflowed in the Andean province of Pichincha, causing land displacement and regional route flooding.
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism has activated several mechanisms to assist tourists and tourism service providers. The heavy rains have also disabled three hydroelectric plants, leaving many citizens without electricity. The extensive damage to both primary and alternate roads has exacerbated travel difficulties and hindered rescue operations. The Ecuadorian government is mobilizing resources to address the immediate needs of those affected and to restore essential services.
- Local authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and to follow official communications for updates on rescue efforts and weather conditions. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to provide aid and mitigate further damage.
- Meteorologists are closely monitoring weather patterns to predict any further disruptions. The climatic impact of El Niño is of particular concern, as it continues to influence weather extremes in Ecuador and other parts of South America. Efforts are being made to provide temporary shelters and supplies for displaced individuals.
