Ecuador: Disruptions ongoing across Esmeraldas Province due to flooding as of late June 6

Event

Heavy rainfall June 3-4 has resulted in flooding across Esmeraldas Province. The heavy rainfall caused Blanco, Cube, Teaone, Tongichue, Sua, and Viche rivers to overflow, flooding Atacames, Esmeraldas, Muisne, and Quininde cantons. Authorities have reported that more than 14,000 people across the province, including more than 3,400 people in Esmeraldas City, have been affected by the flooding. More than 2,895 houses, 21 schools, and seven healthcare establishments were also affected. Authorities have suspended classes in the damaged schools. 360 people have evacuated to Alfonso Quinonez George School, 150 people to Camilo Borja School, and 150 people to Leon Febres Corderos School. Portions of the E15 via Esmeraldas-Muisne, E381 via 'Y' del Salto-Muisne, via Esmeraldas-Quininde, and via Lita-San Lorenzo roads are closed due to flooding, landslides, damage, and debris.

Ecuador's National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has issued a weather warning for rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the western parts of the country through early June 10. The most intense rainfall of 4.2-9 cm (4.5-3.5 inches) is forecast in eastern and far western Esmeraldas, northern Los Rios, northwestern Manabi, far western Pichincha, and most of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, where red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) are in place. Rainfall of varying intensity with occasional heavy downpours is likely in the rest of northwestern Ecuador. Further rainfall is likely to exacerbate the current situation and hamper recovery efforts.

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.

Resources

Ecuador National Risk and Emergency Management Service (SNGRE)