Residents of Unión del Congreso, located between the cantons of Las Naves and Echeandía in Bolívar province, were alarmed by a significant sound from nearby mountains, where a large portion collapsed. Following heavy rainfall on March 12, a vast amount of mud and debris cascaded down, devastating the community's church and heavily impacting a sports field. Videos shared by locals highlight their urgent call to authorities for assistance and prevention of further collapses, as experts believe the danger is extensive due to the significant size of the landslide.

The landslide, measuring approximately 60 meters, has not only destroyed the church but also left several local communities isolated. Residents report roughly half a ton of mud inundating the soccer field, blocking streams, and severely damaging road access. The situation emphasizes the critical need for immediate support and resources, as April's rainy season approaches, increasing the risk of additional landslides in the already affected areas.

Officials are being urged to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the residents and to address the emerging crisis. This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of mountainous regions in Ecuador to environmental disasters, especially after heavy rainfall, highlighting the importance of disaster readiness and the need for infrastructure improvements in ecological monitoring to prevent such occurrences in the future.