Alausi, Ecuador - The small community of Alausi was hit by a deadly wave of mud and debris on Sunday night, leaving at least 7 people dead and about 500 people affected. The Risk Management Secretariat (SNGR) in Ecuador reported that 163 houses were also affected by the natural disaster.

The SNGR has launched an emergency response operation to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. The agency has deployed teams of rescue workers to the area to search for survivors and provide aid to those in need.

The mud and debris that swept through Alausi were caused by heavy rains that have been affecting the region in recent days. The local authorities had issued warnings about the risk of landslides and flooding, but the severity of the disaster caught many by surprise.

The SNGR has urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety. The agency has also warned that there is a risk of further landslides and flooding in the coming days.

The Ecuadorian government has expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster and has pledged to provide all necessary assistance to those affected. President Guillermo Lasso has ordered the mobilization of all available resources to support the rescue and recovery efforts in Alausi and other affected areas.

The disaster in Alausi is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the region to natural disasters. The SNGR has emphasized the need for continued investment in risk management and disaster preparedness measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ecuadorians.