Ecuador has experienced unusually heavy rainfall along the coast and in the central highlands since its rainy season began in September. At least 15 other people have been killed in landslides near Quito this month. The rains started last Wednesday and have continued since then, causing about 150 landslides and the emergency evacuation of 180 people. More than 200 city workers are using bulldozers and tractors in order to secure hillsides and dig out neighborhoods. The country's Meteorological Institute said rainfall in the first half of the month reached 5.5 inches, only a half-inch shy of the average rainfall level for the entire month.
Meteorologists predict more rainfall in upcoming days.
Eight city districts are in risk of avalanches, city officials said. An infant was killed and at least 10 other people left injured in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito last Thursday after pounding rains triggered mudslides. A least six communities were blanketed by avalanches of mud and rock that cascaded down the slopes of the ravines that encircle Quito. The walls of the area's main penitentiary as well as 50 homes were leveled by the crushing slides. Emergency shelters for evacuees were set up by disaster rescue teams.