Thousands of residents of Santa Cruz Island, the most populated in the Galapagos archipelago in Ecuador, are going through critical moments after the heavy rains that battered the region over the weekend, caused by the El Nino phenomenon, and in the face of the authorities' inaction, which so far, according to residents, has not addressed the emergency.
In the footage gathered, affected residents can be seen trying to clean their homes and rescue the little that remained, amid mud, debris and stagnant water.
In sectors such as La Cascada, the water reached up to two metres high and swept away furniture, appliances and belongings. For many families, the emergency meant losing practically everything.
"There is almost nothing left to salvage, just a few tables. It is a harsh and difficult situation. We must help with whatever we can and get to work," said Veronica Andrade, one of the affected residents.
The scale of the damage has led residents to demand a more effective response from the authorities. Although emergency teams and humanitarian assistance have been deployed, neighbours consider that the actions are not sufficient given the needs of the affected families.
"We are left with nothing here. I lived next door, in the other room, but only a bed was saved," said Victor Silva, another of those affected.
Residents warn that it is not enough to address the consequences of the flooding: they demand solutions that allow them to live in safe places and prevent a new rainy season from putting their lives at risk again.
"I think the municipality and the authorities should relocate people, because this is only just beginning and we need to be safe," said Paola Chavez.
The resident also questioned the construction of homes in areas exposed to flooding.
"If we are in a waterfall area and there were studies, perhaps they should not have built there. That is what I think," she added.
According to the first official reports, the emergency left at least two people dead and two missing. The number of those affected has varied, as the most recent reports place around three thousand people impacted by the flooding.
Finally, given the scale of the damage, the Armed Forces, the Police and emergency agencies are taking part in assistance, evacuation and clean-up work.
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology continues to monitor the weather conditions associated with the El Nino phenomenon.
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