Ecuador has experienced heavy rainfall starting February 14, 2025, affecting several provinces and prompting government alerts due to risks of landslides. A regional emergency was declared on February 25, facilitating resource allocation to impacted areas where health services have been compromised.
Starting February 14, 2025, notable rainfall has severely impacted the provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo, Los Ríos, and El Salvador. The heavy downpour has adversely affected not only the populations but also their residences and means of sustenance.
In response to the hazardous weather conditions, the National Secretariat of Risk Management promulgated Resolution No. SNGR-046-2025, which declared a RED ALERT for El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and Santa Elena, due to heightened risk of landslides. Additionally, an ORANGE ALERT was instituted for provinces including Azuay, Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Loja, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas for similar concerns. A YELLOW ALERT was announced for the remaining twelve provinces to avert potential consequences stemming from the rains and landslides.
On February 25, 2025, the National Secretariat of Risk Management invoked RESOLUTION No. SNGR-050-2025 to establish a regional state of emergency for 60 days, citing the severity and recurrence of climate events that have inflicted considerable damage on communities, housing, basic services, and infrastructure. This declaration will facilitate the allocation of funds and staffing in affected regions such as Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Santa Elena, Loja, and Azuay.
Consequently, the recent flooding has severely compromised health infrastructure in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, Guayas, and El Oro, significantly impairing the operational capabilities of health facilities within these areas.
In summary, Ecuador has faced significant challenges due to increased rainfall and subsequent flooding since February 14, 2025, prompting the government to issue RED and ORANGE ALERTs in multiple provinces. A state of emergency has been declared, allowing for mobilization of resources to address the crisis, which has severely affected infrastructure and health services.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
