Alausí Hit by Mudslide Again — Military Deploys as Third Slide Strikes in Two Weeks

Alausí — the Andean town devastated by a catastrophic landslide in 2023 — is under threat again.

What Happened

On Wednesday afternoon, February 18, a mudflow of rocks and debris descended from Gampala hill through the streets of Alausí, a town of approximately 10,000 people in Chimborazo province in Ecuador’s central highlands.

The water and mud descended through the cemetery area, moved along Esteban de Orozco street, and then directed toward the town’s central market via Villalba street. Five sectors of the town were affected, with three people reported injured.

ECU 911 immediately activated an inter-institutional emergency response to evaluate damages and protect the population.

Third Event in Two Weeks

This was not an isolated incident. Alausí has been hit by three separate landslide events in the first half of February:

• February 13: Heavy rains triggered a landslide in the Sevilla sector, completely destroying two homes and partially damaging a third. No injuries were reported
• February 13 (separate event): A second landslide in another community of the canton
• February 18: The mudflow through the town center (described above)

Military Response

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces deployed personnel to Alausí to:

• Clear roads blocked by mud and debris
• Enable access for emergency vehicles and supplies
• Remove debris from affected streets and properties
• Assist with evacuations and provide direct support to affected families

The Shadow of 2023

Alausí is still recovering from the catastrophic landslide of March 26, 2023, when a massive section of hillside collapsed onto the town, killing dozens of people (the final death toll was never fully confirmed, with estimates ranging from 35 to over 60) and burying an entire neighborhood.

That disaster was triggered by the same combination of factors now threatening the town: intense rainfall saturating unstable Andean hillsides composed of volcanic ash and clay — materials that become extremely slippery when waterlogged.

Geological assessments conducted after the 2023 disaster identified multiple additional risk zones in and around Alausí, and some areas were declared uninhabitable. However, many residents have returned to or remained in vulnerable locations.

What This Means for Expats

• Alausí is on the Quito-to-Cuenca highway (E35). If you regularly drive between Quito and Cuenca — or travel to Riobamba — mudslides in this area can cause significant road closures and detours. Check road conditions via ECU 911 before traveling
• The Devil’s Nose train route. Alausí is the departure point for Ecuador’s famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) railway excursion. Check with the train operator before booking during the rainy season
• Rainy season runs through May. February through April is peak mudslide season in the Sierra. Avoid building, buying, or renting on steep hillsides without a geological assessment
• This is a reminder about site selection. When choosing where to live in Ecuador’s highlands, terrain stability matters. Ask about landslide history before committing to a property — especially in Andean towns built on or near hillsides
• Emergency contacts: ECU 911 (all emergencies), road conditions via ANT (Agencia Nacional de Tránsito — National Transit Agency)

Sources: El Universo, El Telégrafo, La Voz del Tomebamba, Diario Los Andes