Ecuador coasts face rough seas and high tides through September 14

The Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Navy (Inocar) has issued a warning regarding rough seas and high tides affecting the continental and insular coasts of Ecuador through September 14. Between September 11 and 14, southwest Pacific swells are expected to arrive, with particularly agitated sea conditions predicted for the Galapagos Islands, where waves could reach 2.20 meters.

On the continental coast, including Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, and El Oro, waves may reach up to 1.50 meters. Authorities warn that these conditions pose risks of strong currents, rip tides, and rising sea levels.

In Guayaquil, a period of high tides, known as 'aguaje', began on September 10, causing water accumulation in the streets of the city's center and southern sectors. Tides reached 4.40 meters in the Guayaquil-Río sector, affecting circulation near the Velero bridge and Ismael Pérez Pazmiño avenue. This phenomenon, driven by the gravitational alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during new and full moon phases, increases the risk of flooding in areas near rivers and estuaries, especially if accompanied by heavy rainfall.