06 Jul 2022 | 06:07 AM UTC
Ecuador: Severe flooding causes disruptions across central and eastern regions as of July 5
Severe flooding causes disruptions across central and eastern Ecuador as of July 5; recovery efforts ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall since July 3 has resulted in flooding across central and eastern Ecuador, with the worst hit being Azuay, Tungurahua, and Zamora Chinchipe provinces. Further rainfall is forecast July 6. Due to a landslide, authorities have confirmed one fatality in Tomebamba Parish, Paute Canton, Azuay Province; search and rescue operations are underway for others affected by the landslide. Another fatality was reported in Azogues Canton, Canar Province due to flooding.
The Zamora River in Zamora Chinchipe Province and the San Francisco River in Gualaceo Canton, Azuay Province, have overflowed, flooding the homes of 29 families. The El Carmen River has also overflowed, collapsing a bridge and road, cutting off Monte Olivo Parish in Bolivar Canton, Manabi Province. The flooding of the Pastaza River in the Yana Amarum Community has affected at least 15 people; authorities have set up temporary accommodation in Madre Tierra Parish, Mera Canton, Pastaza Province. Water outages are occurring in Gualaceo Canton, Azuay Province, affecting at least 20,000 people.
Reports indicate landslides have blocked roads in Colepato, Huigra, Matrama, Mazar, and Zhoray communities; clean-up efforts are underway. Bus services to Amaluza, Azuay Province, are disrupted due to the landslide on the Mendez-Guarumales Road.
Hazardous Conditions
Additional sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further 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. 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.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Bay of Bengal coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions, before driving or routing shipments through affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Reconfirm rail and air travel arrangements before departure. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
