Mar 3 • 20:47 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Overflowing rivers in Santa Elena affect families and a section of the E-40 road

Twelve families were rescued in Santa Elena, Ecuador, due to the overflowing of the Tinto River, and many houses were damaged as a result.

In Santa Elena, Ecuador, the overflowing of the Tinto River has led to serious consequences for local families. Authorities conducted rescue operations for twelve families in the Sucre community, using boats to evacuate those trapped in their homes as floodwaters rose. These floodings caused significant losses, as many affected residents lost their belongings and food supplies due to the inundation. Efforts to safeguard livestock saw families hastily move chickens to vehicles and goats into their rooms to keep them safe from the rushing water.

The situation escalated, affecting up to 58 families according to Juan Carlos Yagual from the Secretariat for Risk Management. These families faced not only loss of property but also a pressing need for assistance as the waters engulfed their homes. Furthermore, the flooding has also impacted the Salinas-Guayaquil route, where the river overflow led to roadway erosion, prompting local authorities to set up cones for driver safety. This marks a critical need for ongoing assessment of flood risk management in the region.

The National Secretariat for Risk Management reported that the floods were a direct result of heavy rainfalls that occurred early on the morning of the incident. This situation underscores the vulnerability of the local communities to natural disasters and raises concerns about preparedness for future extreme weather events and infrastructure resilience. As aid efforts continue, there is an urgent call for support to help displaced families rebuild and recover from the destruction caused by the flooding.

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