Quito, Ecuador – Severe rainfall across Ecuador has resulted in 1,376 adverse events and claimed the lives of 18 people nationwide, according to a recent report from the National Risk Management Secretariat (SNGR).

The heavy precipitation has caused widespread damage, including landslides, floods, soil erosion, structural collapses, windstorms, and mudslides, affecting 23 of the country's 24 provinces. Over 82,000 people have been impacted by the extreme weather conditions.

Among the hardest-hit areas is the municipality of Cayambe, located approximately 80 kilometers from the capital city of Quito. In Cayambe, the heavy rains led to one fatality, affected more than 50 families, and damaged 15 hectares of crops and pastures, requiring urgent assistance for recovery. The Pichincha prefecture, to which Cayambe belongs, has deployed personnel and machinery to address the emergency.

The provinces of Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Chimborazo, Loja, Cotopaxi, and Santa Elena have experienced the most significant impact from the disasters. The SNGR report also indicates that 106 homes have been destroyed, 33.87 kilometers of roads have been damaged, and 108 public assets have suffered damage. Currently, 23 rivers have overflowed, and another 27 are at risk of rising water levels.

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) has issued warnings of variable-intensity rains, accompanied by storms and wind gusts, expected to continue in various parts of the country through March 9.

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