On Sunday, June 16, Ecuador was at the epicenter of powerful storms. According to the latest report from the Risk Management Secretariat, over 1200 people have already been affected. The calamity claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, leaving many injured and several missing.
Across the country, the storms triggered river overflows, mudflows, and floods, which inundated roads and bridges, severing the main highway connecting the highland regions of Ecuador with the Amazon provinces.
Thirteen provinces were affected by torrential rains, with the most severe situations reported in Tungurahua and Chimborazo in the central Andes region, and Napo in the Amazon basin. Due to the scale of destruction, local authorities declared a state of emergency in the canton of Penipe in Chimborazo.
In Banos, Tungurahua province, a devastating landslide occurred. A strong surge of mud and debris engulfed three cars, two houses, and a bus, blocking the main road and causing chaos. Public movement was disrupted, and the city had to contend with extensive aftermath. Mayor Miguel Gevara declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay home and avoid dangerous road areas to facilitate emergency operations. Schools were closed, and classes were shifted online for the safety of students and staff.
The Ministry of Public Works reported that around 20 roads, particularly in the Amazon, remain closed due to landslides, rockfalls, bridge collapses, and road damage. Heavy rains also caused significant flooding of rivers such as Coca and Quijos, halting electricity generation at one of the country's main hydroelectric plants, Coca-Codo Sinclair, which produces about 1500 megawatts. The Agoyan hydroelectric plant was flooded by the overflowing river, rendering it inoperable.
It's important to note that this disaster occurred just a few months after a severe drought in Ecuador, exacerbating the impact of this powerful flooding.
Currently, disasters are our reality, so it's crucial to remember that human life must always come first in any circumstance. Underestimating the danger of natural disasters and neglecting safety protocols during such crises should be avoided.
Yet, we still have a chance to prevent global catastrophes, save many human lives, and create a safe and prosperous future for all people on Earth. Learn more about this at the "Global Crisis. The Responsibility" forum.