Ecuador: Government schedules earthquake drill in Guayaquil November 22

Event

The Ecuadorian government will hold an earthquake drill in Guayaquil on Friday, November 22. Mayor Cynthia Viteri announced that 346 public and private institutions have said they will participate in the drill, leading to the evacuation of approximately 955,359 people with the support of police, military, and emergency personnel. Viteri did not immediately announce the exact time of the drill, but said that it is due to take place over the course of two hours in the morning (local time). Representatives of the Municipality of Guayaquil have said that local authorities will close all tunnels in the capital as part of the drill.

A heightened security presence, crowded conditions, and associated business and transport disruptions are expected throughout Guayaquil during the drill. 

Advice

Individuals in Guayaquil are advised to not be unduly alarmed by the drill, to anticipate associated disruptions, and to follow any instructions issued by local authorities.