# Guayaquil flood risk and El Niño preparedness

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guayaquil-flood-risk-and-el-nio-preparedness
> Updated: 2026-09-08T20:01:45.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In mid-August 2026, Guayaquil and several coastal provinces in Ecuador, including Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, and Manabí, experienced heavy rainfall. In the Sergio Toral sector of Guayaquil, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) recorded up to 35 mm of precipitation, far exceeding the typical August average of 2 to 3 mm. Inamhi attributed this to a change in wind circulation bringing moisture from western Colombia, noting these events were due to short-term meteorological conditions rather than El Niño.

By late August, the focus shifted toward preparing for the 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon, which has a 97% probability of occurrence. Guayaquil has identified 26 high-risk flooding sectors and 44 vulnerable points. The municipal government has planned $4.2 million for 19 drainage improvement projects and designated 29 temporary shelters. To mitigate risks from intense rainfall and rising sea levels, the Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Guayaquil (BCBG) has integrated into the Cantonal Territorial Action Plan. Additionally, the Instituto Oceanográfico y Antártico de la Armada (INOCAR) has launched a research cruise in the Southeast Pacific to monitor ocean temperatures and currents.

In early September 2026, the Guayaquil Municipality initiated an extensive cleaning operation of the city’s drainage system as part of its ‘Pre-Winter Plan 2026-2027’. Executed through EMAPAG EP and the concessionaire Interagua, the $2.2 million project involves cleaning 265 channels, ducts, and sewers, as well as approximately 30,000 sumps. The operation covers over 147 kilometers of storm infrastructure and aims to remove more than 175,000 cubic meters of sediment, weeds, and debris. Specialized efforts include using professional divers and high-pressure pumps to clear solidified mud near the Metrovía Río Daule Terminal.

## Claims

- The Guayaquil Municipality, via EMAPAG EP and Interagua, is cleaning 265 channels, ducts, sewers, and approximately 30,000 sumps. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- USD 2.2 million will be allocated for the preventive operation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The cleaning will cover more than 147 kilometers of storm infrastructure. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 175,000 cubic meters of sediment, weeds, and trash are expected to be removed. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The cleaning is part of the Pre-Winter Plan 2026-2027 to prepare for the rainy season. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Guayaquil launches major drainage cleaning operation

Guayaquil has launched a USD 2.2 million drainage cleaning operation to prepare for the rainy season, covering 147 kilometers of infrastructure and 30,000 sumps.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guayaquil-launches-major-drainage-cleaning-operation

### 2026-08-28: Guayaquil prepares for El Niño with flood risk mapping and emergency response

Guayaquil is preparing for the 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon by identifying 26 high-risk flood sectors and investing $4.2 million in drainage works and emergency response readiness.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guayaquil-prepares-for-el-nio-with-flood-risk-mapping-and-emergency-response

### 2026-08-18: Guayaquil experiences heavy rainfall exceeding monthly averages

Unusual heavy rainfall hit Guayaquil and Ecuador's coast on August 17, driven by moisture from Colombia. Inamhi clarified the event is due to short-term weather, not the upcoming El Niño phenomenon.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guayaquil-experiences-heavy-rainfall-exceeding-monthly-averages

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Cite as: Guayaquil flood risk and El Niño preparedness. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guayaquil-flood-risk-and-el-nio-preparedness