By AccuWeather meteorologist
Published Feb. 1, 2022 11:41 AM EST | Updated Feb. 1, 2022 11:41 AM EST
A round of highly localized torrential rainfall triggered a deadly landslide in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito Monday and left parts of the region buried in mud.
At least 16 deaths and 46 injuries were attributed to the massive landslide, according to the BBC.
The deluge worked to loosen a portion of the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, located just west of the city. The landslide, carrying a combination of mud and debris, quickly rushed downhill and overwhelmed the population of the La Gasca neighborhood below.
In addition to the mud and debris, torrential rainfall persisted and sent water surging down streets, sweeping away residents, leaving vehicles trapped and homes flooded.
Emergency crews worked quickly to transport the injured as other crews cleared safe paths to keep people out of harm's way. In many spots throughout the impacted neighborhood, streets became unrecognizable under a thick layer of mud.
The National Police of Ecuador dispatched both a special operations group and an intervention and rescue group to assist with recovery efforts, according to Al Jazeera.
Residents and soldiers work to clear mud from streets after a rain-weakened hillside collapsed and brought waves of mud over La Gasca area of Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
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Quito, home to over 2 million people, is located in the northern portion of Ecuador and is no stranger to frequent rainfall.
The overall weather pattern has been largely typical for Ecuador at this time of the year with daily showers and thunderstorms a common occurrence, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Lead International Forecaster Jason Nicholls.
On Monday, a few of these "typical" showers and thunderstorms transformed into an all-out deluge.
Many different rainfall observations were recorded across the city Monday, but the heaviest rainfall ultimately occurred in the western portion, according to Nicholls. Elevations climb dramatically just west of Quito, with the Pichincha volcano and many other high peaks located nearby.
Local authorities said that up to 3 inches (75 mm) of rain fell in the La Gasca neighborhood of Quito in just a few hours, according to Al Jazeera.
Quito Mayor Santiago Guarderas said Monday's rainfall was "a record figure" not seen since 2003.
Just over 11 inches (280 mm) of rain was recorded for the entire month of January at Quito's Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport. The airport, located on the east side of the city, missed out on the heaviest rainfall from Monday's event.
Since October, around 2,800 people have been affected by heavy rain in Ecuador, with hundreds left homeless.
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