# Galápagos Islands flooding and humanitarian response

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/galpagos-islands-flooding-and-humanitarian-response
> Updated: 2026-11-06T11:02:40.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 3.

Intense rainfall and flooding in the Galápagos archipelago, driven by El Niño weather patterns, caused significant damage and fatalities. The emergency particularly impacted Santa Cruz Island, affecting thousands of people across Ecuador and disrupting essential services, including water supplies and electricity. Critical infrastructure was damaged, including potable water and sewage pipelines, power poles, and the road to Puerto Ayora. At least 1,600 homes sustained damage, with severe impacts reported in the La Cascada, La Unión, and Arrayanes neighborhoods.

In response, the Ecuadorian government and private airlines launched humanitarian efforts. The Ecuadorian Air Force deployed C-130 Hercules aircraft to transport food, water, medicine, and sleeping kits. LATAM Ecuador utilized its Avión Solidario program to transport over 12,880 kilograms of aid, including food and hygiene kits and water containers, while Avianca deployed an Airbus A320neo to deliver construction supplies and non-perishable food. These operations were coordinated with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Infrastructure and Technology, the Red Cross, and the Fernove Foundation. To support relief and regular travel, operating hours at Baltra airport were extended.

Local experts and civil society representatives have criticized regional territorial planning, arguing that municipal authorities permitted residential construction in natural watercourses, such as the Cascada ravine, which exacerbated the flooding impact. While immediate aid focuses on essential supplies, affected families face ongoing challenges regarding housing security and relocation.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-06: Galápagos floods cause casualties and damage due to El Niño

El Niño-driven flooding in the Galápagos Islands has caused one death, affected over 7,000 people, and damaged 1,600 homes, highlighting critical issues in territorial planning and infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galpagos-floods-cause-casualties-and-damage-due-to-el-nio

### 2026-11-03: Airlines launch humanitarian flights to Galapagos Islands

LATAM and Avianca are conducting special humanitarian flights to the Galapagos Islands to deliver food, water, and supplies to over 2,000 families affected by severe flooding.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airlines-launch-humanitarian-flights-to-galapagos-islands

### 2026-10-31: Galápagos emergency: floods cause deaths and widespread damage

Severe flooding in Ecuador's Galápagos Islands has caused nine deaths and affected 46,000 people, prompting a massive humanitarian air bridge to deliver aid to Santa Cruz.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/military-aircraft-delivers-14-tons-of-humanitarian-aid-to-galapagos

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Cite as: Galápagos Islands flooding and humanitarian response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/galpagos-islands-flooding-and-humanitarian-response