On March 15th, a meeting was scheduled by the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) in Sigchos to resume searches for María Laura Pilaguano Chusín, who disappeared in a flood on March 9th in the Guasumbiní Alto sector. The ongoing search operations are supported by various institutions and local residents of Sigchos, demonstrating community solidarity in the face of disaster. Mayor Óscar Monge expressed gratitude for the joint efforts, emphasizing the community's determination to recover the body of the missing woman.

As the search operations unfold, reports surfaced about a body floating near the Hidro Sigchos dam, approximately 24 kilometers from where the flood occurred. This discovery adds urgency to the search as the community hopes to find answers amidst the ongoing uncertainty. The local authorities and residents remain united in the effort, with a shared purpose to find María Laura and support her grieving family.

This incident underscores the devastating impact of heavy rains and floods in the region, raising awareness about the need for better disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in Ecuador. Local officials are likely to evaluate current strategies to improve emergency responses, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle such severe weather events in the future.