Ecuador Urges El Niño Preparedness Ahead of Expected Heavy Rains

Wilman Merino Vivan, director of the Engineering in Risks and Climate Change program at Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, warned that the El Niño phenomenon is likely to affect Ecuador in the coming months. He advised citizens and authorities to clean drains, roofs, ravines and other debris‑laden areas, and to secure alternative sources of drinking water. Merino emphasized identifying local hazards, strengthening community organization, and protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled. He noted that regions below 1,500 m may face intense precipitation with flood and landslide risks, while higher‑elevation areas could experience water shortages. The university also operates a monitoring network that provides early‑warning alerts for the southern part of the country.