Ecuador: Disruptions ongoing following landlside in Cuenca Canton in Azuay Province as of March 29

Event

Response operations are ongoing following a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the Sayausi area of Cuenca Canton, Azuay Province, March 27. Other weather-related disruptions are also ongoing in parts of the canton, including the city of Cuenca, and Ecuador's National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has forecast further rainfall in the region through at least March 30, which could trigger flooding and further landslides.

The landslide occurred on the Cuenca-Molleturo road between the communities of Marianza and Gulag in Sayausi Parish. As of late March 28, Ecuador's National Risk and Emergency management Service (SNGRE) has reported that the landslide has caused four fatalities and injured 11 others. It has destroyed nine homes and affected 27 others, as well as one school. Other homes in the area are being evaluated. At least 14 families are being housed in emergency shelters due to the damage to their homes. Around 300 meters (984 feet) of the road has been affected, and it will likely take authorities weeks to fully reopen the route, which is one of the main roads connecting Azuay with Guayas Province. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the affected area for 30 days.

Adverse weather also affected water distribution in the provincial capital Cuenca March 28. Over 250,000 people were left without water supply after heavy rainfall caused the suspension of operations at four water treatment plants supplying the city. Authorities are working to restore the supply and water distribution is expected to be restored in the coming hours; however, lingering disruptions to services are possible in the near term.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Further landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Ecuador National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) (Spanish)
Ecuador National Risk and Emergency Management Service (SNGRE) (Twitter) (Spanish)