President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador was hospitalized after contracting a urinary tract infection that triggered a fever and a dip in health. Officials from the president’s administration informed the public that medical staff recommended careful observation and continued treatment at a military hospital in Quito. The update clarified that the diagnosis required inpatient care, with doctors monitoring the situation closely and advising patience during the recovery process, while urging calm as the treatment progressed.
The presidency announced that all planned meetings for April 16 and 17 would be postponed due to the ongoing illness and the need for the president to focus on his health. The decision reflected the seriousness of the medical advice and the priority given to the president’s well being during this period of treatment and recovery.
Meanwhile, the central Andes region experienced a major natural disaster when a large landslide struck the town of Alausí, displacing hundreds of residents and affecting a significant portion of the local population. In the disaster zone, approximately 500 people were directly impacted, with 163 homes reported damaged or destroyed. Emergency responders and local authorities coordinated relief efforts to assist affected families and secure the area, while authorities assessed ongoing risks and coordinated with national disaster response teams to monitor aftershocks and potential further landslides.
Earlier in March, a separate seismic event occurred offshore and to the west of Ecuador, registering a magnitude of 6.5. The quake prompted swift emergency responses as communities and authorities reviewed building safety and preparedness plans. By the time official tallies were finalized, the death toll had risen to 446 people, underscoring the enduring vulnerability of certain coastal and hillside communities to natural hazards and the critical need for resilient infrastructure and effective disaster management.
Across the country, authorities stressed the importance of staying informed through official communications and following immediate safety guidance issued by civil defense and health officials. Medical facilities remained on alert, while transportation and public services were adjusted as needed to accommodate the emergent health situation surrounding the president and the ongoing response to the landslide. The government reiterated its commitment to transparency, timely updates, and collaborative efforts with regional and international partners to support recovery and health services during this period of multiple crises.
As the nation addressed both health concerns within the executive leadership and the urgent needs of disaster-stricken communities, communities continued to rally around those affected. Local leaders and volunteers joined in relief efforts, providing essential supplies, temporary shelter, and medical assistance to residents in Alausí and nearby areas. The football federation, schools, and community centers organized clean-up campaigns and checkpoints to ensure safe passage for evacuees, while national agencies coordinated with humanitarian organizations to streamline aid delivery and long-term reconstruction planning. These coordinated actions highlighted the resilience of communities and the ongoing commitment of Ecuadorian authorities to safeguarding public health, infrastructure, and stability during challenging times.