Ecuador landslide kills 22, injures more than 40

Massive floodings and landslides in Ecuador’s capital Quito have left at least 22 people dead and injured 47 as rescue teams continue searching for victims. 

Heavy rains on Monday evening caused flooding near the neighborhoods of La Gasca and La Comuna, reported Reuters. 

"As of now, 22 deceased have been taken to the morgue; 47 have been injured, two of them are in critical condition," said Mayor Santiago Guarderas. "There are reports of 20 missing."

Social media videos show muddy waters flowing through the city's streets, carrying rocks, trees, and vehicles. Parts of Quito were left without power as the floods brought down electrical poles. 

🚨Debido al aluvión en el sector de la Gasca, desde la Sala de Operaciones se coordinó el despacho de recursos de @BomberosQuito, @CruzPichincha, @Salud_CZ9, @PoliciaEcuador.
Personal de @AMT_Quito informa que existen vías cerradas. ⚠️
Al momento, se reportan 3 fallecidos. pic.twitter.com/TXiKO9HWl2

— ECU 911 Quito (@ECU911Quito) February 1, 2022

"We saw this immense black river that was dragging along everything. We had to climb the walls to escape," said resident Alba Cotacachi. "We are looking for the disappeared."

Ecuador’s national police, national soldiers, and fire brigades dispatched rescue teams to search for victims and people who have been left stranded. 

According to rescuer Christian Rivera, many people were treated for hypothermia after being in knee-deep waters for an extended period. 

Many areas of Ecuador are being affected by heavy rains, which have caused rivers to overflow and landslides. Quito saw record-breaking rains, equivalent to 75 liters per square meter.