Quito Under Rain and Hail This Friday, March 6: Flooded Streets and Landslides
On March 6, Quito experienced heavy rain and hail leading to flooded streets and landslides.
On March 6, Ecuador's capital, Quito, faced severe weather conditions with intense rainfall lasting around two hours, accompanied by hail and thunderstorms. Videos shared by ECU911 showcased significant mobility issues, particularly in the central and southern areas of the city, where excessive water accumulation obstructed roads. The heavy rains coincided with local celebrations for International Women's Day, causing further complications in the traffic situation.
In the Monjas sector of southern Quito, a landslide occurred which resulted in the closure of three lanes on the SimΓ³n BolΓvar avenue. This landslide not only blocked the roadway but also led to a fallen tree that completely obstructed traffic in the direction towards Mitad del Mundo. Such incidents highlight the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by urban infrastructure stress, and point to the need for improved drainage and emergency readiness.
In response to the adverse conditions, the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) implemented an immediate traffic management operation, allowing vehicles to pass through a contraflow in the opposing lane to minimize congestion. The Fire Department also mobilized to assist with the challenges posed by the landslide and fallen trees, indicating a coordinated emergency response to mitigate the impact of the severe weather on commuters and residents in Quito.