Ecuador: Further adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least March 15 /update 2

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Ecuador as of March 14 and further adverse weather is forecast across the country through at least March 15. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has issued a weather warning with orange and yellow level heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the second and third highest levels on a three-tier scale) covering most of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands through March 15. The most intense weather is forecast in interior parts of the coastal region, northern, southern, and foothill areas of the Inter-Andean region, and throughout the Amazon region. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Flooding and disruptions are ongoing in multiple areas as of early March 14 following days of heavy rainfall. Affected provinces include Azuay, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Pichincha, and Santa Elena.

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall March 12-13 damaged homes and roads in Pasaje, Chilla, and Pinas cantons in El Oro province. The mayor of Babahoyo in Los Rios province has declared an emergency situation due to the ongoing flooding caused by overflowing rivers. More than 200 families in the city have been affected by flooding and travel has been restricted on sections of the Babahoyo-Jujan and Babahoyo-Montalvo roads. Landslides have also blocked the Mitad del Mundo-Rio Blanco road in Pichincha Province. Several neighborhoods in Santa Elena Province have been affected by flooding after heavy rainfall March 13-14, with damages reported at the province's main bus terminal.

Flooding has also occured in Cotopaxi Province after the Quindigua River burst its banks following heavy rainfall March 7, damaging at least 180 houses along the river in Pucayacu. Authorities have evacuated an unconfirmed number of people in the town due to the flooding. Intermittent power and water supply disruptions also occurred and at least eight bridges were damaged, isolating around 15,000 people in Choalom, Guasaganda, Guayacan, La Playita, Malqui, and Pucayacu.

Heavy rainfall in Cuenca in Azuay Province March 5-6 triggered flooding and landslides in the area. Floodwaters swept at least one person away, and landslides blocked several roads in the area. The parish of Tarqui also experienced severe flooding, while a bridge collapsed in the parish of Molleturo.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across affected areas. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel 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.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Ecuadorian National Institute of Meteolrogy and Hydrology (INAMHI) (Spanish)