In the early hours of February 23, 2023, a severe rainstorm struck the Ecuadorian province of Loja, particularly affecting the cantons of Puyango, Zapotillo, and Pindal. The intense rainfall resulted in the evacuation of multiple families whose homes were flooded, along with substantial damage to local businesses and roads. Residents, especially in the San Vicente community of Pindal, experienced significant impacts as mud inundated their houses, leading to the loss of belongings and forcing them to temporarily leave their homes.

Social media was abuzz with videos showing the dramatic effects of the storm, including one clip that captured a man attempting to stop a vehicle being swept away by the rushing water, emphasizing the severe dangers posed by the flooding. Witnesses urged the man to prioritize his safety instead of trying to save the vehicle, highlighting the critical conditions faced by residents during the emergency. The footage quickly went viral, drawing attention to the ferocity of the storm and the urgent need for support for affected communities.

Residents have raised concerns over the increasing frequency of such weather events, linking them to broader climatic changes. The local government has been urged to improve infrastructure resilience and emergency response measures to mitigate the impacts of future storms. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that communities face in the face of extreme weather, highlighting the importance of preparedness and adaptive strategies in disaster management.