State of Emergency: Dozens Killed in Storms

Dozens of people have been killed in storms that hit several parts of South America on Saturday.

At least 25 people died in the coastal areas of Ecuador during heavy rains that caused landslides, as well as due to a strong tidal wave on the Pacific coast. 52 people were injured by lightning strikes at a police school in the capital, Quito, 15 of whom were hospitalized. Extreme weather conditions also caused damage to the country's farmers and fisheries after strong waves destroyed some fishing boats.

In the desert region of northern Chile, Atacama, strong storms, which rarely occur in one of the driest parts of the Earth, caused floods and landslides in which at least ten people died and many houses and roads were destroyed.

According to the country's authorities, these are the heaviest rains recorded in the desert part of the country in the last 80 years.

Local officials also warn that floods towards populated areas could bring toxic materials from desert mines, including arsenic and mercury, and have requested the involvement of central authorities in removing tons of mud that have accumulated in coastal cities due to fears that they contain toxic substances.