Death toll from flash flood in southeastern Ecuador rises to 9

The death toll from a flash flood in Ecuador's southeastern province of Zamora Chinchipe has risen to nine, with another nine people still missing, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said Monday.



The incident occurred on Friday in the Cantzama sector of Zamora canton after heavy rains caused the Zamora River to overflow, sweeping away homes and infrastructure and covering parts of the area with mud.



According to a preliminary update, 38 people have been injured, 74 families affected, and 48 families displaced. The disaster also damaged 50 homes, destroyed one bridge, and affected 23 private properties.



Search and rescue operations are continuing with the participation of more than 15 institutions, 187 personnel and 71 pieces of machinery and specialized equipment.