Massive landslides kill four in Ecuador
Heavy rains Sunday triggered several landslides through the area.
Landslides kill four in Ecuador
Heavy rains triggered landslides across the Sayausi area of the Azuay Province on Sunday. Authorities so far recovered four bodies. Take a look at the mud covering homes through the valley.
AZUAY PROVINCE, Ecuador -- Cuenca, Ecuador continues to dig out after deadly landslides Sunday. Four people died when the mountainside gave way in several places. Officials continue to search through debris for more victims.
A government agency posted pictures of pet rescues, salvage operations and destruction seen on Monday.
Volunteer Fire Department of Cuenca said more than 300 people were evacuated from the flood zone on Sunday, followed by 136 people on Monday. So far only 11 injuries were reported. The mayor declared a state of emergency Monday morning for the area in south central Ecuador.
Hundreds gathered to search for survivors and deliver food, water and medicine to stranded residents.
Take a look at the video that the Mayor of Cuenca posted shortly after the slide. Villagers were frantically searching for survivors. They laid planks over the mud where their neighbors’ homes used to be to gain access.
Landslide survivors in Ecuador search for neighbors
Survivors of Sunday's landslides around Cuenca, Ecuador frantically search through the mud for others.
Mudslides damaged 36 homes and destroyed at least 10, according to local media. Major highways remain covered in earth keeping recovery efforts minimal. Villages remain trapped between slides.
The area hosts tourists visiting the Cajas National Park. Locals fear that blocked roads will damage the tourist economy. The Minister of Transportation estimates that road repairs and stabilization will take two weeks.
Crews make little progress clearing Ecuador landslide into dark
The Mayor of Cuenca, Ecuador posted this video. He and villagers pass rescued children across the mud. As night falls, equipment makes little progress clearing the mud.
FOX Weather keeps rain in Cuenca’s forecast through the weekend.
(FOX Weather)