At least eight people were killed by flooding in southwestern Ecuador following several hours of torrential rains, officials said Sunday.

"Unfortunately, there have been eight victims so far as a result of the flooding," said Viviana Bonilla, governor of the coastal province of Guayas where the flooding occurred.

Bonilla told reporters that six people died by electrocution and one by drowning. The eighth victims was a child who was washed away by the floods and presumed dead.

Officials said more heavy precipitation was expected in the region, and they were bracing for the possibility of additional casualties.