Ecuador: Flooding impacts six provinces as of February 26

Event

The National Risk and Emergency Management Service of Ecuador (SNGRE) is conducting recovery operations in six provinces as of Wednesday, February 26, following recent flooding in the country. Heavy rains that started on Saturday, February 22, caused significant flooding in parts of Morona Santiago, Los Ríos, Manabí, El Oro, Pichincha, and Santa Elena provinces. Thousands of residents have been affected by the flooding and some have been evacuated into temporary shelters. A state of emergency was declared in the city of Machala (El Oro province) on Sunday, February 23, after multiple areas were inundated.

Associated transportation and commercial disruptions are anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, anticipate transportation and commercial disruptions, budget additional time for travel, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rainfall.