Seven died and 50 people reported missing after a landslide triggered by months of heavy occurred in southern Ecuador, reports AFP.
The mudslide happened overnight Sunday and lingered into Monday, burying dozens of homes and injuring 23 people in the village of Alausi in Chimborazo province, some 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of Quito, officials said.
Rescuers and civilians were seen Monday trying to clear debris by hand to get to any survivors between sheets of twisted metal and split tree trunks.
In the muddy streets of Alausi, a settlement of some 45,000 people surrounded by green hills, shocked residents stood around waiting for news, many in tears.
The avalanche also hit several public buildings, damaged roads and closed three schools.
"I managed to escape with about 15 minutes to spare," survivor Jose Agualsaca told Teleamazonas, saying he was rushing to get things out of his house before the mud came.
President Guillermo Lasso said on Twitter that firefighters from neighboring areas had been rushed to the village to help people affected by the tragedy.
He urged all citizens to evacuate the affected areas.
The government mobilized the national police, armed forces, the health ministry and the Red Cross to help with the rescue efforts.
"We have activated temporary accommodation and mobilized sleeping kits for those that have lost their homes," said a government statement on Twitter.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
