On February 18, the intersection of Avenida 25 de Julio and Las Esclusas in southern Guayaquil was heavily flooded following several hours of intense rain and thunderstorms. Residents faced substantial challenges as the water level forced them to wade through flooded streets, with many removing their shoes and rolling up their pants to navigate the difficult conditions. The flooding also affected vehicles, which sustained mechanical issues due to being trapped in the water.

Despite the challenging circumstances, around 9:45 AM, there was a noticeable absence of personnel from the Transit and Mobility Agency, which exacerbated the situation as vehicle traffic and pedestrian movement became increasingly complicated. Local resident Johanner Caicedo expressed his frustration, explaining that he usually leaves early to arrive at work on time but found himself delayed significantly due to bus arrivals being hindered by the poor weather conditions.

This incident highlights the broader issues of urban infrastructure in Guayaquil, particularly the vulnerability of the city to heavy rainfall and the challenges residents face in their daily commutes during adverse weather events. The lack of a rapid response from transit authorities during such emergencies raises concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the city’s flood management strategies.