Galápagos floods cause casualties and damage due to El Niño

Intense rainfall driven by the El Niño phenomenon has caused significant damage across the Galápagos Islands, particularly on Santa Cruz Island. According to reports from the Secretariat of Risk Management, the adverse weather events have affected 7,336 people and resulted in one death. Approximately 1,600 homes have sustained damage, with specific areas such as the La Cascada neighborhood, La Unión, and Arrayanes facing severe impacts.

In Santa Cruz, heavy rains recorded on October 31, 2026, reached 189 liters per square meter within 12 hours. The flooding caused the road to Puerto Ayora to split into two sections, damaged potable water and sewage pipelines, and knocked down power poles, leaving residents without electricity. At least four private hotels also reported damages.

Local experts and civil society representatives have criticized territorial planning in the region. Critics argue that municipal authorities allowed residential construction in natural watercourses, such as the Cascada ravine, which exacerbated the impact of the flooding. While immediate community aid is focused on food, medicine, and hygiene supplies, affected families face long-term challenges regarding relocation and housing security.