On March 15, the lifeless body of a young man was found in Cuenca after a search operation that began when he fell into the Tomebamba River during the early hours of the previous day. The local firefighters had mobilized a swift water rescue team assisted by national police and the young man's family to carry out the search. They coordinated their efforts through the ECU911 emergency line, which covers Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago.

The search was challenging due to the difficult terrain surrounding the river, and the rescue teams employed various methods including the use of a boat to access hard-to-reach areas and support from drones to monitor the search areas effectively. During the operation, they reported receiving updates from ECU911 about the location of the body, which ultimately was found near the Puesto de Auxilio Inmediato (Immediate Assistance Post).

This tragic incident highlights the risks associated with local water bodies and emphasizes the importance of having immediate response teams that are well-coordinated in emergency situations. It also sheds light on community responses during such crises, drawing support from families and local organizations in the face of tragedy in Cuenca, Ecuador.