"We had to run out of the house, leave everything and lose it": landslide generates anguish among families in La Bota
A landslide in the La Bota neighborhood of northern Quito on February 13 has left families in distress as they cope with the aftermath.
On February 13, a significant landslide struck the La Bota neighborhood in northern Quito, Ecuador, prompting an urgent evacuation of residents as sirens blared and emergency workers mobilized to assist. Families were forced to leave their homes behind, with severe rainfall and an accompanying electrical storm exacerbating the situation. The distress was evident as children played nearby while their relatives worked diligently to clear debris.
The landslide resulted in six homes being severely affected, impacting approximately 20 people. Other areas such as Carcelén, Carapungo, and Tumbaco also experienced emergency conditions, but La Bota faced the most considerable challenges due to the harsh weather. Eyewitness accounts reveal a sense of panic and urgency as families scrambled to escape the danger posed by the earth's movement.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of residents in the area to natural disasters. The situation emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and better emergency response mechanisms to assist those affected by similar events in the future. As the community begins to recuperate, steps will need to be taken to ensure safety and preparedness against future landslides or climate-related emergencies.