The flooding caused by heavy rains in La Gasca caused damage to the electric power system and infrastructure. | Photo: La Hora
Quito, February 1 (RHC)-- At least 18 people died Monday after a landslide caused by heavy rains in the neighborhood of La Gasca in Quito, capital of Ecuador.
The alluvium, which occurred in the afternoon, generated mud and debris that dragged vehicles parked on the affected roads, mainly on Humberto Albornoz street. The Emergency Service of Ecuador (ECU 911) reported that there are also a number of injured people, yet to be determined because the access to the most damaged areas is difficult for rescuers due to the volume of debris dragged by the alluvium.
Branches, sticks, stones, objects of various kinds and even cars were swept away by the deluge, which the neighbors of La Gasca described as very strong and impressive.
Due to the magnitude of the landslide, rescuers, paramedics, units of the Fire Department of Quito, and technicians of the Secretary of Security immediately moved to the place. They were joined by the mayor of the city, Santiago Guarderas, in order to attend the emergency and establish an evaluation of the damages.
In this sense, the Quito Fire Department sent 10 specialists to Pucayacu, La Maná, in order to support the evacuation and safety work for the inhabitants affected by the overflowing of the Quindigua river, whose exact number of victims has not yet been determined.
Meanwhile, Quito's electric company informed that the heavy rains also caused the disconnection of the Miraflores substation, leaving the sectors surrounding La Basílica, Colegio Mejía, Av. América, San Juan, and Miraflores without electricity service.
The agency reported that several units moved immediately to the place of the events to work on the reconnection of the damaged areas to the electric power system as soon as possible, but that the work could take hours due to the complex scenario and the difficult conditions to work in.
As a result of the landslide, ECU 911 reported the closure of several roads, including main arteries such as Mariscal Sucre, at the height of Mariana de Jesus Avenue; and America Avenue at the height of Colon Avenue; while urging drivers to drive with caution in the areas surrounding the area of the incident.
