Ecuador: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least early June 23

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Ecuador through at least early June 23. As of early June 19, Ecuador's National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has issued a weather warning for rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds for parts of the western coastal region and across the central Inter-Andean and eastern Amazonian regions through 10:00 June 23. Orange and yellow level warnings (the middle and lowest levels on a three-tier scale) are in place across the affected area. Rainfall accumulations of 0.8-5.4 cm (0.3-2.1 inches) are forecast across the affected area, with the heaviest rainfall likely in the Inter-Andean and Amazonian regions.

Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered flooding and landslides across parts of the country; at least 13 provinces have been affected, with Chimborazo, Morona Santiago, Napo, and Tungurahua provinces among the worst affected. Authorities have reported at least 17 fatalities, including at least eight people who died in a landslide in Banos Canton in Tungurahua Province. At least 28 others have been injured and five others are missing amid the severe weather. Nearly 1,400 people have been affected, dozens of homes have been damaged, and many roads are impassable due to flooding and landslides across the affected areas.

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 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.

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.

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. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Localized business disruptions may occur in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.