On February 18, intense rain and thunderstorms in various cantons of Guayas, including Durán, caused severe flooding in the streets and left dozens of residents affected. The area most impacted was the first stage of El Recreo, where floodwaters rendered streets impassable for both pedestrians and vehicles. This recurring issue has led to disruptions in daily life for the community, necessitating residents to navigate flooded areas precariously.

Images from the scene show local inhabitants walking barefoot and rolling up their trousers to traverse the inundated streets. Business owners were seen attempting to clear water from their establishments with brooms, while students waded through stagnant water after finishing their classes. Makeshift barriers were erected using sticks, and uncovered manholes were marked to prevent accidents in the flooded environment, underscoring the lack of adequate drainage solutions in the area.

Long-time resident Javier Rosales, who has lived in El Recreo for 15 years, voiced his frustration by highlighting the cyclical nature of the flooding. He emphasized that the same scenario unfolds every annual rainfall season, pointing to a broader issue of infrastructural neglect in the region. The ongoing vulnerability of this community to flooding raises concerns about the necessity for improved urban planning and drainage systems to protect residents from the consequences of extreme weather events.