Cyclone Yaku in Ecuador

Cyclone Yaku has produced heavy rains causing flooding and landslides in many parts of Ecuador.

Describing it as "extremely rare," Ecuador's weather agency says "Cyclone Yaku" will continue to cause flooding and heavy rains throughout the country. The weather system is centered off the coast of Northern Peru and has produced record rainfall in Guayas, El Oro and Manabí Provinces since Tuesday.

The worst of the flooding struck in Chone city and areas of Chone canton after several rivers and streams burst their banks.

Flood water, mud and debris swept through parts of Chone city with many homes severely damaged or destroyed. Rescue teams helped families evacuate to safer areas. The Secretary of Risk Management (SGR) reported around 2,000 families were affected and a hospital was also damaged.

Also, the heavy rains triggered several landslides in the area which blocked several roads. SGR reported a landslide caused the collapse of a house in Santa Rita area, two people died in the event.

Flooding has affected areas of Guayas Province, in particular, the city of Guayaquil, with several roads blocked and many homes damaged, affecting over 500 residents.

In Socavamiento in Napo Province two bridges and a stretch of road were destroyed, leaving residents isolated.

Heavy rain has affected wide areas of the country since the start of the year, in a period from 01 January to 06 March, 120 cantons have registered 440 dangerous events including floods and landslides, as a result of the rains. In total, 17 people lost their lives, 5,839 were affected, 35 homes were destroyed and 1,465 were damaged.