Ecuador faces severe flooding and casualties due to El Niño

Heavy rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon has caused significant damage across Ecuador, resulting in at least 12 deaths, approximately 43,000 people affected, and over 14,000 individuals left homeless.

According to reports from the Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos, nine water bodies, including rivers and estuaries, have overflowed in the provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santa Elena. In Guayas, specific overflows have been recorded in the Daule and Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno cantons. Additionally, 16 other water bodies are showing a trend of rising levels, including the Esmeraldas River and several rivers in the Los Ríos and Guayas regions.

In the canton of Yaguachi, Guayas province, intense rains led to flooding in streets, homes, and schools, prompting parents to request virtual classes to ensure student safety. Local authorities have deployed teams to manage drainage and cleaning efforts in the affected areas.