Muisne flooding in Ecuador caused by heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador has caused significant flooding in the Muisne canton. On October 2, 2026, the overflowing of the Salima River and local estuaries impacted several communities, including La Florida, Boca de Tigua, and Piedra Fina.

In the San José de Chamanga parish, an estuary overflow caused water to enter homes and flood roads. Emergency services, including the National Risk Management Secretariat, the Fire Department, and the National Police, have been deployed to conduct technical inspections and provide assistance to affected families.

In addition to residential damage, the weather has severely impacted regional mobility. Road failures and asphalt loss have been reported on the Quinindé-El Mirador-Esmeraldas route and the San Mateo-Viche stretch. Some roads, such as the Viche-Recinto Chura-Quinindé route, remain only partially passable. The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) has warned that intense precipitation could continue until at least October 5, maintaining the risk of further overflows and flooding.