The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) announced the partial reopening of the Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme road at kilometer 103 after a major landslide occurred in the Tamarindo sector on Tuesday. The heavy slide had prompted authorities to recommend an alternate route via Zhud-Cochancay-El Triunfo while intensive excavation and cleanup efforts were undertaken. These efforts involved several days of work with heavy machinery to clear a substantial amount of material blocking one lane of the road.

Ongoing cleanup operations have not yet concluded, and the authorities are continuously monitoring the situation. The Commission of Transit of Ecuador (CTE) has been stationed in the area to manage traffic on a controlled, alternating basis to facilitate the flow of vehicles in both directions. The MIT has urged drivers to exercise caution while navigating through the affected area, as work is still in progress and road safety is a priority.

This incident highlights the challenges posed by natural disasters such as landslides in Ecuador, particularly in regions with significant rainfall and unstable terrain. The authorities' response, including the use of machinery and alternate routes, showcases the efforts to ensure safe passage for commuters while emphasizing the importance of infrastructure maintenance in mitigating the impact of such events. As work continues, the local community remains alert to further advisories from transport officials.