Landslides kill at least 24 as rains deluge Ecuador capital

By GONZALO SOLANO
Associated Press

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — A rain-weakened hillside has collapsed in Ecuador’s capital, sweeping over homes and a sports field. City officials say at least 24 people are dead and 48 more are injured. Neighbors joined rescue workers in hunting through the ruins for survivors after the hillside gave way late Monday. The authorities also reported 12 missing people. Witnesses recalled houses shook like an earthquake while being pummeled by rocks and rushing water in the neighborhoods of La Gasca and Armero on the slopes of the Ruco Pinchincha mountain. As the rescue began, police called for silence so  cries of those trapped could be heard.