[REVISION HISTORY]

Environmental and climate risks in Ecuador

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2026-09-24 04:01 UTC → 2026-10-11 03:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Ecuador faces ongoing environmental vulnerabilities driven by geographic factors and climate change. Long-term data indicates the country has experienced 93 major disasters over the last forty years, impacting more than 20% of the population through events such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. Climate-related shifts include the retreat of Andean glaciers, which threatens freshwater and hydroelectric power, and increased droughts in the Amazon. Coastal regions are particularly susceptible to rising sea levels and intensified El Niño/La Niña phenomena. Recent maritime risks have intensified due to a combination of long-period swells and a warm Kelvin wave. The Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Navy (Inocar) forecasted significant swells in mid-September, while monitoring from Espol indicated sea level rises of up to 43 centimeters. These oceanic disturbances were expected to continue through October. By late September, ~~these conditions have transitioned into~~ severe weather impacts ~~for~~ were noted in urban ~~centers. Guayaquil is experiencing its heaviest September~~ centers like Guayaquil, where heavy rainfall since 1961, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi). Precipitation levels have reached exceptional heights, with some stations recording over 69 millimeters. Significant precipitation has caused flooding in at least 28 sectors, including Sauces, Samanes, and Urdesa Central, with water levels reaching 25 to 45 centimeters in some areas. Local authorities report that waste accumulation has blocked drainage systems, worsening the flooding. The situation is further compounded by tidal influences; research from Espol indicates that high tides can obstruct the discharge of storm drains, particularly when intense rainfall coincides with high tide levels. sectors. In the Manabí province, heavy rains ~~have~~ also triggered ~~emergencies, including flooded streets~~ emergencies in Portoviejo and Santa ~~Ana, as well as water accumulation inside~~ Ana. As of October 10, 2026, the situation has escalated in the Esmeraldas region. The Esmeraldas River has experienced a ~~home~~ sudden rise in water levels, triggering an orange alert due to flooding risks in low-lying and riverside areas. The Association of Integral Risk Managers (AGIR) attributes this to heavy rainfall in the ~~Lodana parish. ECU 911~~ western mountain range. Additionally, the Blanco and Viche rivers are overflowing, and residents in areas such as the ~~National Risk Management Secretariat continue~~ Luis Vargas Torres and Prado Viteri islands are facing mobility difficulties due to ~~monitor~~ accumulated water and mud. Simultaneously, the ~~situation.~~ Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Navy (Inocar) has issued warnings for 41 coastal locations, including Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, El Oro, Guayas, and Galápagos. The alert, effective until October 12, 2026, warns of agitated to very agitated sea conditions, with twenty-seven locations under high threat.

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