On the afternoon of March 9, a significant landslide rendered the Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme road impassable at the El Chorro bridge. This route is crucial as it links the province of Azuay to the Ecuadorian coast. The landslide has raised concerns among local commuters, as it impacts the daily travel for many who rely on this connection to reach their destinations.

In response to the emergency, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed the closure of the road due to the landslide. They have recommended an alternative route via Biblián–Zhud–Cochancay–El Triunfo, which may help alleviate some traffic disruptions while the situation is addressed. Users on social media have been sharing images of the affected area, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

The landslide is part of a larger pattern of heavy rain affecting the Guayas province, which has seen 72 emergencies reported and a deployment of aid to over 2,000 families affected by flooding and related incidents. This situation underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region to natural disasters, prompting discussions about the need for measures to improve road resilience in the face of extreme weather events.