Authorities said Monday that a large landslip slammed across an Andean town in central Ecuador, burying dozens of homes and killing at least 16 people while rescuers desperately looked for survivors.
Seven people were still missing hours after the landslip on Sunday in Alaus, approximately 137 miles (220 kilometres) south of the nation's capital, Quito, according to Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat. The catastrophe, which also damaged a section of the Pan-American Highway, was reported to have affected 500 people and 163 dwellings.
Several of the injured were transferred to local hospitals, according to Ivan Vinueza, the governor of Chimborazo, who spoke to The Associated Press. Due to the impending threat of more landslides, authorities initially issued an evacuation order, but they eventually removed it.
Before the landslip, which is predicted to be roughly 150 metres (490 feet) wide and 0.6 miles (1 kilometre) long, locals in the area informed local media they experienced earthquakes on the mountain. It dragged houses, trees, and other structures.Firefighters were sent to the area to assist from six different cities. At the landslide's edge, a group of more than a dozen rescuers tried to clear away debris.
Residents are seen leaving their homes with the assistance of neighbours in video taken from cameras linked to the nation's emergency response network. It also depicts individuals driving around with appliances and other items.
According to the emergency response organisation, the landslip had a 60% negative impact on the area's drinkable water supply. A shelter had been established, according to the communication office of President Guillermo Lasso, and some schools will be converting to online instruction.
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