Ecuador: Further adverse weather forecast across the country through at least March 22 /update 1

Event

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Ecuador through at least March 22. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms covering most of Ecuador through March 22. Red level warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over parts of southeastern Esmeraldas, eastern Guayas, far western Imbabura, and southern Los Rios provinces, with orange and red warnings covering most of the rest of the country. The most intense rainfall is forecast to fall in coastal and Amazonia region March 18-20.

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.

Flash flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in parts of Loja province March 15, including Gualel and the city of Loja, caused one fatality and damaged several homes. The Municipality of Chilla in El Oro Province has declared an emergency situation March 17 due to damages to homes, roads, utility infrastructure, and crops caused by recent adverse weather. 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. The mayor of Babahoyo in Los Rios province declared an emergency situation March 11 due to flooding caused by overflowing rivers.

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)