The recent heavy rainfall in Ecuador, particularly affecting the cantón known for sugar cane production, has led to severe flooding in Milagro City. As rainwater caused the Milagro River and adjacent San Miguel stream to overflow, about 70% of the city was submerged, significantly disrupting daily activities and travel for residents who rely on this route for work and education. In the early hours, authorities began evacuating areas threatened by the rising waters, estimating that around 700 families would be displaced due to the flooding.

The government response has initiated alerts in various provinces since February 20, as the region faces a red alert for the ongoing crisis. Affected provinces include Carchi, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Loja, and Pichincha, highlighting a broader, systemic issue exacerbated by the seasonal rains. Carolina Lozano Haro, head of the National Risk Management Secretariat, has emphasized immediate needs for dredging canals and rivers to manage flood risk effectively, indicating a lack of proactive maintenance that has contributed to the current situation.

With winter wreaking havoc across the country, the ongoing challenges faced by Milagro and other cities stress the urgent need for infrastructure investment and emergency preparedness in Ecuador. The dire consequences for local communities point to not only the immediate disasters inflicted by harsh weather but also the ongoing vulnerability due to inadequate flood management systems, potentially leading to repeated tragedies in the future if not addressed promptly.