The Huge Landslide in Ecuador Kills 7 People, and Dozens Missing

VIVA – A huge landslide swept over an Andean community in central Ecuador. This disaster buried dozens of homes, killed at least seven people, and sent rescuers on a frantic search for survivors, authorities said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, officials had reported 16 deaths, but President Guillermo Lasso put the confirmed toll at seven as he arrived Monday night at the scene of the disaster in Alausí, about 137 miles south of the capital, Quito. Officials also raised the number of people reported missing to 62. Lasso mourned the tragedy and promised people in the town that his party will continue working on the search effort.

 Ecuador’s Risk Management Secretariat said more than 30 people were rescued after the mountainside collapsed around 10 pm on Sunday. It said 23 people were injured.

“My mother is buried under the mud,” said Luis Ángel González – who also lost other family members on Sunday. “I am so sad, devastated. There is nothing here, no houses, no anything. We are homeless (and) without family.”

The risk management agency estimated 500 people and 163 homes were affected by the disaster, which also destroyed a portion of the Pan-American Highway.

The governor of Chimborazo, Ivan Vinueza, told The Associated Press that some of the injured were taken to area hospitals. He said officials had urged people to evacuate the area after landslides and cracks began to develop about two months ago. Some followed the advice, and by Saturday, as tremors intensified, others fled.

Area residents told local media they heard tremors on the mountain before the landslide, which was estimated to be about 150 meters (490 feet) wide and nearly a half-mile (700 meters) long. It swept away trees, homes, and other buildings. More than fifty houses were buried under tons of mud or debris.

The emergency response agency said 60% of potable water service in the area was affected by the landslide. The communication office of the presidential office said some schools would be switching to online classes.

Firefighters from a half dozen cities were dispatched to the area to help. Rescuers focused on the flanks of the landslide where they found traces and debris of houses.

Rescuer and paramedic Alberto Escobar said it was unlikely that more survivors would be found because the evacuation time was too long. He said the search will continue as long as it doesn’t rain.