Manabí province in Ecuador is experiencing one of its most complex winter phases of 2026, with authorities reporting 67 adverse events related to the rainy season between January 1 and March 6. The area remains under an orange alert, and a regional state of emergency has been declared for 90 days starting February 27, following the cumulative impact of heavy rainfall. This situation has directly affected 2,326 residents, highlighting the serious nature of the current climate crisis in the region.

As a response to the severe weather, the Montecristi canton has activated a red alert in areas prone to flooding, indicating an urgent risk to several sectors within the territory. The intense rainfall has resulted in flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The local population is vulnerable as emergency situations escalate, prompting a call for immediate action to safeguard communities and property.

In light of these circumstances, ten cantons have activated their Emergency Operations Committees (COE) to coordinate institutional responses to the crisis, per information from the National Risk Management Secretariat (SNGR). These committees are crucial in managing resources and implementing emergency plans to mitigate the effects of the ongoing rainfall, ensuring better communication and support for those impacted during this challenging period.