Quito invests $4.45 million to reinforce the El Tejado gorge and prevent new landslides
Quito is investing $4.45 million to restructure the El Tejado gorge in response to devastating landslides caused by heavy rains in 2022 and 2024.
In response to devastating landslides that affected the neighborhoods of La Gasca, Pambachupa, and Santa Clara de San Millán in Quito, authorities have allocated $4.45 million for the restructuring of the El Tejado gorge. This decision was made following the tragic incidents in April 2024, when heavy rainfall caused significant damage and led to the loss of lives and significant property, affecting over 52,000 residents who still remember that fateful day with sorrow. The landslide resulted in the casualties of 28 people and left many more missing as debris, stones, and large volumes of water inundated homes and public spaces.
To prevent future emergencies of such magnitude, Quito's municipal authorities, led by Mayor Pabel Muñoz, are implementing a detailed plan to restructure the gorge and create a system for rainwater capture. During a visit to the affected area, officials outlined the strategies being developed to enhance the gorge's resilience against extreme weather events. This investment aims not only to address the immediate issues from past disasters but also to integrate preventive measures that will safeguard the communities from potential future calamities.
This proactive approach also reflects the city's commitment to disaster risk management and improving urban infrastructure in the face of climate change challenges. By reinforcing the gorge and introducing sustainable water management practices, Quito aims to protect its vulnerable neighborhoods from the severe effects of heavy rains, which have become increasingly common, thereby enhancing the overall safety and quality of life for its residents.