Ecuador: Disruptions due to landslide ongoing near Banos de Agua Santa in Tungurahua Province as of early Aug. 12

Event

Disruptions are ongoing in parts of Tungurahua Province after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide near Banos de Agua Santa Aug. 11. The landslide occurred on the E30 road between Banos and Puyo in neighboring Pastaza Province. Authorities have reported three fatalities and one other injured person due to the landslide. One home and a vehicle were also damaged by the debris and the E30 was closed in both directions at the incident site as of late Aug. 11. Localized power outages have also been reported in the vicinity of the landslide. Lingering disruptions are likely to continue in the area over the coming hours and days.

Hazardous Conditions
Additional 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. 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 affected areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood or landslide damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

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.

Resources

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