Ecuador: Further adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least March 18

Event

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Ecuador through at least March 18. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms covering most of mainland Ecuador through March 17. Red level warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over southern Los Rios and far western Bolivar provinces, with orange and red warnings covering most of the rest of the country. The most intense rainfall is forecast to fall in parts of Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Los Rios, Manabi, Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Loja, Bolivar, Pichincha, Imbabura, and Carchi provinces. Although the warning does not cover the Galapagos Islands, rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the island March 18, as well as across other parts of Ecuador.

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in recent weeks have caused disruptions across many regions of the country. Affected provinces include Azuay, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Loja, Los Rios, Pichincha, and Santa Elena. Heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding and landslides in parts of Loja province March 15. One person is missing, and several houses were damaged after flash floods swept through streets in the city of Loja. Landslides also damaged homes in other parts of the province, including Gualel.

Authorities in Azuay Canton in Azuay Province have declared a road emergency March 16 for the next 60 days due to the poor state of roads caused by the adverse weather. Several roads in the area will be closed for remedial work during the emergency period. 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 March 11 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 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.

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)