Following the avalanche that hit the city on Sunday, official bodies reported at least 16 deaths, with 7 people still missing. The incident occurred in Alausí, located in Ecuador’s Andean region, according to the Risk Management Secretariat on Monday. Local authorities also noted that 16 individuals were injured, about 500 residents were affected, and 22 houses were destroyed or lost their belongings in the disaster.
Authorities added that after the landslide on a hillside in the Alausí canton, the prosecutor’s office confirmed that six bodies had been referred to the Forensic Medicine Institute. Prosecutor teams were said to be coordinating field actions at the site to manage the response and gather evidence for investigations. This ongoing operation reflects the scale of the emergency and the coordination required across agencies.
The governor of Chimborazo province, Iván Vinueza, acknowledged the uncertainty about how many people might be buried under debris. He stated that the response would involve the Fire Department and the broader national emergency framework to conduct thorough searches and provide relief. He emphasized the dangerous conditions in the affected area and the heavy rainfall that has persisted in recent days, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Access to Alausí has been hindered by road blockages in the upper part of the town, slowing down humanitarian help for residents in need.
Red Cross estimates cited by the Risk Management Secretariat indicate that 163 homes have been affected, with officials still assessing how many structures were destroyed in Sunday night’s avalanche. The incident also disrupted utilities and essential services in the community as responders worked to secure the area and plan further interventions. The landslide affected a 150-meter stretch of roadway, and about a quarter of the general lighting in the region was impacted, complicating nighttime operations and safety measures for both residents and responders.
Vinueza noted that the Nuevo Alausí neighborhood bore the brunt of the landslide, while other nearby sites also reported damage. Evacuations carried out on Sunday involved coordination among the Alausí City Council, firefighters, and military personnel. He remarked that many residents fled the area out of fear, underscoring the emotional toll and the sense of urgency among those who remain in danger or anxious about loved ones in the affected zones. Local authorities are prioritizing shelter, food, and basic medical care for those displaced.
yellow alert
The Risk Management Secretariat reported a separate incident earlier this month along the E35 road, which contributed to broader disruptions across Alausí and its surroundings. This earlier event, combined with current conditions, prompted authorities to monitor ongoing risks to transport routes and community facilities as families and traders depend on the corridor for daily needs and supplies. In February, officials issued a yellow alert for the area identified as susceptible to mass movements, including Casual and nearby communities such as La Esperanza, Control Norte, Nueva Alausí, Pircapamba, and Bua, to prepare for potential emergencies.
On March 15, emergency measures were extended for sixty days within the canton of Alausí to address the heightened risk from ongoing mass movements in the everyday sector. The aim was to secure shelter, coordinate relief operations, and ensure rapid response capabilities to prevent further harm to residents who could be affected by secondary landslides or related hazards. This proactive stance underscores the importance of readiness in areas prone to such natural events.
response actions
The Risk Management Secretariat continues to work in close coordination with the Fire Department and search and rescue teams from eight provinces, including Quito and the basins region. Police in Alausí and Riobamba support population protection efforts and coordinate with the health sector to provide care for rescued individuals. Temporary shelters have been established, and supplies such as beds, mattresses, and basic sleeping arrangements have been mobilized to support those affected. The combined effort reflects a multi-agency approach to stabilize the community, protect vulnerable residents, and accelerate relief operations during this critical period.
In the face of ongoing danger, authorities emphasize the importance of structured, timely responses and continuous monitoring to prevent further casualties. The collaborative actions show how local authorities, national agencies, and emergency responders align their plans to manage the crisis effectively and restore safety and normalcy for residents as soon as possible. Citations: Risk Management Secretariat, national Fire Department, and local health authorities reported the situation and ongoing efforts at the site (as of the latest official briefings).