Ecuador: Disruptions ongoing after landslide in Cuenca Canton, Azuay Province March 29; further adverse weather likely nationwide through April 2 /update 1

Event

Response operations are ongoing following a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the Sayausi area of Cuenca Canton, Azuay Province, March 27. Other weather-related disruptions are also ongoing in parts of the canton, including the city of Cuenca. The landslide occurred on the Cuenca-Molleturo road between the communities of Marianza and Gulag in Sayausi Parish. As of March 29, the landslide has killed four people and wounded 10 others, destroyed nine homes, and damaged 27 others and one school. Damage assessment remains ongoing. At least 14 families are staying in emergency shelters due to the damage to their homes. The incident has affected around 300 meters (984 feet) of the road connecting Azuay with Guayas Province, and authorities will likely take weeks to reopen the route. Officials have declared a state of emergency in the affected area for 30 days.

Ecuador's National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has issued a weather warning through April 2 due to rain and thunderstorms. Orange level warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over the eastern and southern Amazon region, far eastern Coastal region, and most of the Sierra region. Yellow warnings are in effect over the rest of the country.

Hazardous Conditions
Further 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. Further 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 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.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

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