Baños: Coping with Tragedy and Hope Amidst a Harsh Winter
Baños de Agua Santa has always been a peaceful and beautiful refuge. However, the landscape that was once filled with tourists and adventurers on the route to Puyo now remains in an eerie silence. The recent heavy rainfalls have caused devastation beyond imagination, affecting the lives, homes, and essence of the El Placer community, referred to as ground zero.
The heavy rains that started on Saturday, June 15, caught everyone off guard, even in a region accustomed to harsh weather conditions. Within hours, the land gave way on Sunday, triggering landslides that swept away everything in their path – trees, houses, and most tragically, people. The aftermath of the disaster is visible along the Pelileo-Ambato route, where locals spent Sunday cleaning up the mud and debris left behind by the relentless force of nature.
In El Placer, a hamlet located 30 minutes from Baños, the pain is deeply felt. Marcela Ceya recounts the terrifying moment when the mountain seemed to explode, engulfing everything in its path. The search for missing residents continues, with rescue teams tirelessly working to locate survivors and victims trapped under the rubble.
The devastation has disrupted daily life in Baños, with residents facing a shortage of clean water due to the damage to water treatment plants. Despite the challenges, the community has come together to support those who have lost everything and provide aid to those stranded by road closures.
Solidarity and compassion shine through amidst the tragedy, as locals, businesses, and organizations collaborate to offer shelter, food, clothing, and essential supplies to those in need. The churches and schools have transformed into makeshift shelters and donation centers, serving as beacons of hope in a time of darkness.
Efforts are underway to restore normalcy and access to essential services, with authorities working to clear the blocked roads and provide relief to affected areas. Additional machinery and resources from neighboring prefectures have been mobilized to expedite the road clearance process, aiming to reopen the route to Puyo within the next 24 hours.
While the road to recovery may be long and challenging, the resilience and unity of the people of Baños and surrounding areas will prevail. As they navigate through this difficult time, the outpouring of support and kindness from individuals and businesses alike serves as a reminder of the strength found in community bonds during times of adversity.