Severe flooding in Azuay province, Ecuador, has resulted in 4 deaths, damage to 45 homes, and the collapse of 8 bridges after heavy rainfall caused the Yanuncay River to overflow.
Ecuador's Azuay province, including its capital Cuenca, has been severely impacted by a winter storm that has resulted in significant flooding. The local Emergency Operations Committee (COE) activated on March 13, following the overflow of the Yanuncay River, which led to homes being inundated and extensive damage, particularly in the rural parishes of Molleturo and Chaucha. Emergency services have been mobilized to assist injured individuals and assess the extent of the damage.
As of now, local authorities report that 4 people have died due to the floods, and many communities remain isolated due to damaged infrastructure, especially bridges that have collapsed under the weight of the floods. The mayor of Cuenca, Cristian Zamora, emphasized the need for urgent measures, highlighting the challenges faced in restoring connectivity and providing aid to those cut off by the floods.
In response to the crisis, the COE has canceled all planned public events for the weekend to redirect emergency resources towards relief efforts and support. This proactive approach aims to ensure safety while addressing the needs of affected populations. The situation remains critical as damage assessments continue and additional rainfall is anticipated.
