Yahoo TV

Cars, mud, and tree trunks were swept away by a flood to the west of Quito, after a day of intense rains that set a record for precipitation in the country.

Quito Mayor Santiago Guarderas told a news conference on Monday (January 31) night that over 75 liters of rainfall (19.8 gallons) per square meter were recorded, the highest level since 2003.

Guarderas added the avalanche hit a sports field, at a time when several residents were playing volleyball in the area known as La Comuna.

Government and safety forces including troops, firemen and police, were called in to help, Guarderas said.

Those killed were taken to the morgue and the injured were taken to local hospitals to receive medical treatment.