Prolonged heavy rains in Ecuador's El Oro province have caused flooding in at least 60 neighborhoods, leading to infrastructure damage and closed roads.
On February 7, the province of El Oro in Ecuador faced significant challenges due to over 10 hours of continuous rainfall that affected both rural and urban areas. At least 60 neighborhoods reported issues such as flooding, collapsed electric poles, mudslides, and closed roads, hampering mobility and disrupting daily life for residents. The intense precipitation particularly devastated the cities of Machala and Puerto Bolívar, where large sectors of the urban area were inundated.
In Machala, the heavy rains led to widespread accumulation of water in central and northern neighborhoods, severely impacting vehicular and pedestrian movement. Residents experienced considerable distress as many were unable to access services or move freely due to the flooded streets. Local businesses also suffered losses as shopkeepers were unable to open their stores due to the adverse conditions, resulting in significant economic implications for urban commerce in the affected areas.
The critical points in Machala were notably at intersections such as 25 de Junio and Tarqui, and in areas like Marcel Laniado, Guayas, and parts of the Circunvalación Sur. Similarly, several sectors of Puerto Bolívar faced severe flooding issues, exacerbating the situation. As this weather pattern continues, local authorities are likely to face challenges in addressing the immediate needs of those affected and in planning for future prevention measures against similar events.
