A vehicle found itself trapped amidst the debris from a landslide, obstructing kilometer 90 of the Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme road.
As of Monday, February 19, 2024, the vital artery linking Cuenca with the Coast remains impassable owing to a landslide.
The incident occurred on Sunday when a substantial amount of material cascaded down onto kilometer 90 of the Cuenca – Molleturo – El Empalme road, prompting the Ecuadorian Transit Commission (CTE) to reroute vehicular traffic.
Throughout the night, concerted efforts from the Municipality of Cuenca, the Prefecture of Azuay, and the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works were focused on clearing the roadway. Despite their endeavors, traffic remains suspended due to the ongoing risk posed by recurrent mudslides at kilometer 90, as confirmed by the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works.
In a recent update, the Ecuadorian Traffic Commission disclosed that a vehicle had become ensnared within the landslide earlier this morning.
Motorists seeking alternative routes are advised to consider the Cuenca – Girón – Pasaje – Machala – Guayaquil and Cuenca – Azogues – Biblián – Zhud – Cochancay – El Triunfo options.
Today marks the second road closure, as the Puyo – Macas road is also shuttered due to heightened water levels in the Upano and Volcán rivers.
The recent surge in rainfall across the nation has been attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, with further inclement weather including rain and thunderstorms anticipated until February 19th, according to warnings issued by Inocar.
I wonder why the Cuenca-Soldados-Chaucha route is never mentioned.