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2:03
Flood causes destruction in Ecuador
Heavy rains in Quito set a rainfall record in the country
Last Monday, a strong accumulation of water that exceeded the capacity of the reservoir in the El Tejado ravine, started a flood that caused great damage in various sectors of the city and ended on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., as reported by in a press conference, the mayor of the capital, Santiago Guarderas.
He also reported that an accumulation of liquid of 2 milliliters per square meter had been predicted, but due to the great difference, exceeding 70 thousand liters, an oversaturation of the soil on the slopes was caused, which generated the landslide.
This barrage hit the sports field, where there were volleyball players and a gallery of fans in the stands of the sports center.
So far, 24 people have been reported dead and 52 injured, of which 2 are hospitalized, 29 have already been discharged, and one person is in intensive care.
Of the 174 houses evaluated, three have total damage and 38 only partial. On the other hand, 17 cars that were washed away by heavy rains were rescued and are now in the hands of their owners.
Videos on the different social networks showed how the muddy river that circulated through the streets of the neighborhood, dragging everything in its path, vehicles, trees, electric poles, garbage containers and much more.
More footage showed neighbors rescuing people from the current that was dragging them away.
State cooperation
The National Police of Ecuador, through a tweet, reported that they have used several public order maintenance units and the motorized operations group.
They added that, at two in the morning on Tuesday, the authorities could not enter the affected areas due to the amount of water and debris in the area.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Health transferred the injured people in 25 ambulances, while other institutions mobilized machinery to clear and clean the streets.
Approximately 60 soldiers supported the search by firefighters and police. The damage affected agricultural areas, homes, health and education centers.
Guillermo Lasso, President of Ecuador expressed his condolences to all the people affected by the heavy rains and invited others to show solidarity with those affected at this difficult time.
