Heavy rainfall in Ecuador resulted into multiple landslides

Between January 31 — February 1, 2022, heavy rainfall in Ecuador resulted into multiple landslides, mudflows and floods.

Highlights

• A landslide in Quito in Ecuador took 23 life and injured 47 others. It has left nine missing, while collapsing at least nine houses.
• This landslide was caused by biggest rainfall in country, in nearly 20 years.
• As of February 2, 2022, at least 24 people were found dead.
• Authorities are expecting more landslides.

Situation in Ecuador

Ecuador is facing heavy rains in several areas. Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow and has affected hundreds of homes and roads. The mayor’s office has started clearing streets in the city and has set up shelters for affected families.

About Ecuador

Ecuador is a country in north-western South America. It is bordered by Colombia, Peru and Pacific Ocean. The country also includes the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific, which is around 1,000 kilometres to the west of mainland. Quito is capital of Ecuador. It is a founding member of United Nations, Mercosur, PROSUR, Organization of American States, and Non-Aligned Movement.

About Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is the closest capital city to the equator. It is located at an elevation of 2,850 m above sea level. It is the second-highest official capital city worldwide. It is located in Guayllabamba river basin, on eastern slopes of Pichincha, which is an active stratovolcano in the Andes. This city was designated as headquarters of Union of South American Nations in 2008.

Climate of Ecuador

Climate of Ecuador is tropical. It varies with altitude and region because of differences in elevation and proximity to the equator. Coastal lowlands in western part of Ecuador are usually warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C. Coastal ar