Intense rains in Ecuador have caused significant adverse events, affecting over 22,000 people and resulting in fatalities and widespread damage across several provinces.
Between January 1 and February 27, 2026, Ecuador experienced severe rains leading to 1,116 adverse events across 24 provinces, heavily impacting Guayas, Esmeraldas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Chimborazo, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Loja. The National Risk Management Secretariat reported that these events included 429 landslides, 380 floods, and numerous other weather-related incidents.
Casualties included three fatalities in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Azuay, and Chimborazo, with over 22,241 people directly affected. The disaster has also resulted in 1,671 people being left homeless, 5,330 damaged homes, and significant infrastructure challenges with nearly 20 kilometers of damaged roads reported.
In response to the crisis, a regional state of emergency was declared on February 27 for several of the hardest-hit provinces, aiming to mobilize support and resources for those in desperate need of assistance. The situation underscores the vulnerability of communities in Ecuador to natural disasters, necessitating ongoing risk management efforts.
