Santa Cruz:Quito Heavy rainfall has resulted in one fatality, with two individuals reported missing and approximately 80 people evacuated on Ecuador's Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago, leading authorities to declare a state of emergency.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the incidents of death and disappearances were reported in the Bellavista and Divino Nino sectors, respectively. The heavy rains caused widespread flooding in various areas, including Bellavista and Santa Rosa in the island's central highlands, as well as Miramar, Aguacatal, and La Cascada along the coast. A house in Miramar collapsed, and power lines sustained damage.
Authorities have evacuated around 80 residents to the Santa Cruz Sports Coliseum, which has been repurposed as a temporary shelter. Meanwhile, the airport on Baltra Island has suspended commercial operations but remains open for emergency flights and humanitarian aid transport.
Road disruptions have been reported, particularly on the route connecting Puerto Ayora and Bellavista, prompting officials to advise residents against unnecessary travel. The Government Council of Galapagos has deployed heavy machinery and trucks in collaboration with the Cantonal Emergency Operations Committee to support evacuation and assistance efforts.
Carolina Lozano, the secretary for risk management, stated that evacuation and rescue operations are underway, with two temporary shelters established, accommodating up to 500 people. She also noted that the government is assessing the needs of affected families and preparing to dispatch 1,000 humanitarian assistance kits to the island.
The National Emergency Operations Committee has sent 13 health professionals who have provided over 55 medical consultations and transferred three patients to a hospital. However, the Santa Cruz Health Center remains out of service due to flooding. Authorities continue to coordinate rescue, evacuation, and humanitarian assistance operations while conducting damage assessments.