Altered day for merchants due to rain that flooded more than 50 sectors in Guayaquil: ‘This has been filled several times, it doesn't drain as it should’
Heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in Guayaquil, impacting merchants and residents alike, who struggled to clear waterlogged streets.
In Guayaquil, intense rainfall lasting over 12 hours resulted in streets being flooded, causing disruptions for local merchants and residents as they began their day amidst standing water. Numerous citizens took to the streets with brooms and buckets to push water towards drains, making every effort to clear the entrances of businesses and homes in an attempt to prevent further flooding within their premises.
A resident, Israel, aged 42, highlighted the recurring issue of flooding every rainy season, pointing out that after the recent Carnaval holiday, community members organized a cleanup initiative to improve drainage. Despite their efforts to remove debris and clear pathways, he noted that the area continues to flood after heavy rains, suggesting that the drainage problems are more complex than just surface issues.
In addition to the flooding, residents are also facing hidden dangers such as potholes obscured by the water. This situation not only poses risks to pedestrians but also suggests broader infrastructure challenges in Guayaquil's drainage systems, which may require more comprehensive assessments and improvements to prevent future recurrent flooding incidents.