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Dolores Ochoa/AP
QUITO, Ecuador — An enormous landslide swept over an Andean neighborhood in central Ecuador, burying dozens of houses and killing a minimum of 16 individuals as rescuers frantically looked for survivors, authorities mentioned Monday.
Ecuador’s Threat Administration Secretariat mentioned 16 individuals have been injured and 7 remained lacking hours after the landslide Sunday in Alausí, about 137 miles (220 kilometers) south of the capital, Quito. The company estimated that 500 individuals and 163 houses have been affected by the catastrophe, which additionally destroyed a portion of the Pan-American Freeway.
The governor of Chimborazo, Ivan Vinueza, advised The Related Press that a few of the injured have been taken to space hospitals. Authorities initially issued an evacuation order because of the imminent threat of recent landslides, however they lifted it just a few hours later.
Space residents advised native media they heard tremors on the mountain earlier than the landslide, which is estimated to be about 150 meters (490 toes) broad and 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) lengthy. It dragged timber, houses and different buildings.
Dolores Ochoa/AP
Firefighters from half a dozen cities have been dispatched to the realm to assist. Greater than a dozen rescuers stood on the fringe of the landslide as they labored to take away particles.
Video from cameras related to nation’s emergency service community exhibits residents fleeing their houses with assist from neighbors. It additionally exhibits individuals transporting home equipment and different belongings in automobiles.
The emergency response company mentioned 60% of potable water service within the space was affected by the landslide. The communication’s workplace of President Guillermo Lasso mentioned a shelter had been arrange and a few colleges can be switching to on-line lessons.
Dolores Ochoa/AP
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