In the Rumipamba sector of Azuay province, Ecuador, heavy rain led to a mudslide that left five people injured, prompting a response from the Girón Fire Department. The incident occurred in the San Juan de Pambadel neighborhood, an area previously affected by a deadly mudslide that claimed the life of an elderly resident. Emergency responders were faced with challenging conditions, as the river overflowed and obstructed access to the affected area, requiring firefighters to evacuate several elderly individuals under extremely difficult circumstances.

On the night of March 10, as the mudslide occurred, the fire department struggled to reach the affected individuals due to the rapidly rising water levels that added to the dangers of the rescue operation. Rescuers had to carry the elderly residents either on their backs or in their arms through the mud to safety. The evacuation was carried out the following day, as firefighters returned to the scene to assess the damage and provide immediate medical attention to the injured.

This incident underscores the impact of severe weather events in Ecuador and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, as heavy rains have become increasingly common and can lead to rapid and dangerous mudslides. Local authorities may need to consider improved infrastructure and emergency response strategies to better protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, in the face of such natural disasters.