A devastating wildfire in Quito has led to the displacement of residents and prompted Ecuador's President to cut short his visit to the United Nations in New York to address the crisis at home. The fire has engulfed entire neighborhoods of the capital city, leaving many families homeless and in distress.
One resident, Maria Sarango, shared her heartbreaking experience of losing everything in the fire, including her home and possessions. She described the scene as 'terrible' and recounted the challenges faced in evacuating her elderly mother, who is 95 years old and unable to walk.
President Daniel Noboa has returned to Ecuador to oversee the government's response efforts, as over 200 firefighters and numerous vehicles work tirelessly to contain the flames. The mayor of Quito, Pabel Muñoz, has mobilized resources, including water tankers, to support the firefighting operations.
Due to the heavy smoke and poor air quality, schools in the area have been closed, and residents are advised to stay indoors to protect their health. Many individuals, like Margarita, have been forced to evacuate to escape the suffocating conditions caused by the fire.
Authorities suspect that the fire was deliberately set and are treating the situation as a 'criminal and terrorist' act. The National Police are conducting investigations to apprehend those responsible for endangering lives and causing extensive damage to the city's environment.
This devastating wildfire comes at a time when Ecuador is grappling with a severe drought, leading to power cuts in various parts of the country. The government is urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to prevent further incidents and protect the safety of the community.
