Ecuador: At least 500 evacuees and more than 11,000 affected by floods

Dozens of families had to climb to the roof of what was left of their homes to protect themselves from the water after the floods left by heavy rains. At least 500 people were evacuated and more than 11,000 affected in the province of Emerald, in Ecuador.

Desperate to escape, the families demand humanitarian aid from their authorities, since the overflow of 6 rivers has caused the city to be under water.

What were the affected areas?

According to local media, damage was reported in the sectors known as Carlos Concha and Tabiazo Chinca. Due to the flooding of the Teaone River, there were landslides and, almost entirely, the Las 50 Casas neighborhood, Sihabitad and the lower part of Ciudadela Tolita 1 were flooded.

What measures did the Government of Guillermo Lazo take?

After serious damage occurred, school classes were suspended, as damage was detected in 21 schools, in addition to 5 health centers. Hundreds of people were rescued in boats and another 30 in helicopters, all help was given by the Armed Forces and National Police of Ecuador.

Lastly, through an official Twitter account, the President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lazo, offered help by mobilizing all public institutions for immediate attention to the victims:

“Dear Esmeraldas: we are working with the Decentralized Risk Management System, the Joint Task Force and the municipalities and Prefecture to give them all the necessary attention. The priority is to save their lives, protect them! We have already rescued 500 people and the tasks continue,” the president wrote.

Source-elpopular.pe