The raging flames that ravaged Quito, the capital of Ecuador, plunged its inhabitants into horror and devastation. The fire, of an unprecedented intensity, forced residents to flee their homes in an emergency, leaving behind their possessions reduced to ashes. Maria Sarango, one of the victims of this disaster, gives an emotional account of the tragic loss of her home and all her belongings: “I had two refrigerators, stoves, gas bottles, beds, dining tables, everything. As you can see, everything went up in smoke… It’s terrible.” The impact of this disaster is all the more heartbreaking for Maria, who highlights the difficulty of the evacuation, especially for her 95-year-old mother, who had to be helped by the police because of her inability to move.
Faced with this critical situation, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa urgently interrupted his participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return home and coordinate relief operations. Local authorities are deploying significant resources to try to control the fire, mobilizing more than 200 firefighters and 65 vehicles, as well as around thirty tanker trucks to supply water to teams on the ground.
The devastating effects of this fire are being felt far beyond the flames, with a strong spread of black smoke enveloping several neighborhoods in Quito. The consequences on air quality are such that the authorities have taken the decision to close schools and recommend that the population stay indoors to avoid any health problems linked to this air pollution.
Poignant testimonies evoke the terror experienced by the inhabitants, forced to flee to escape asphyxiation and burns. Margarita, a resident of Quito, shares her experience of evacuation in order to preserve her health and that of her family, highlighting the intensity of the situation that forced her to flee her home.
Faced with this disaster of unprecedented magnitude, the authorities suspect a criminal and terrorist act at the origin of the fire. The investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this unprecedented violence, which threatens the safety of citizens as well as the fauna and flora of the region.
This tragedy occurs in a context of severe drought in Ecuador, forcing the authorities to impose power cuts in certain parts of the country. The out-of-control fire in Quito highlights the vulnerability of ecosystems to environmental risks exacerbated by extreme weather conditions.
Ultimately, the tragedy that has struck Quito reveals the urgency of action to prevent such disasters and protect vulnerable populations. Unity and solidarity are essential to overcome this collective ordeal and to envision a safer and more resilient future in the face of the challenges of our time.