Ecuador considers emergency declaration for Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje road after heavy rains

Ecuador's Ministry of Infrastructure is weighing the declaration of an emergency for the critical Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje highway, which has been closed for six days due to severe damage from recent heavy rains. The road, located in the Santa Isabel canton of Azuay province, has seen sections blocked by landslides.

Vice Minister of Infrastructure Paolo Carpio stated that a technical visit would inform decisions, potentially including new contracts, equipment acquisition, or the emergency declaration itself. This would expedite the repair process. "We already have the consultancy for comprehensive attention at the different points of this road," Carpio told W Radio. He explained that the rainfall deposited approximately 40,000 cubic meters of material onto the road between kilometers 78 and 105, and resolving the issue is expected to take several weeks.

Efforts are also underway to restore connectivity at kilometer 50. Carpio emphasized the ministry's commitment to reopening the route promptly, noting the importance of a connected country, particularly with the potential onset of the El Niño phenomenon. "As a Ministry, we are very concerned about connectivity. We are facing a possible El Niño Phenomenon, and we need a connected country with roads in good condition," he asserted.

The situation has been compounded by a fatal landslide on June 9th, which resulted in one death and one injury, with slides reported at kilometers 79, 86, and 89. The road was temporarily closed as a preventative measure during cleanup operations. Alternative routes have been recommended: Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme for light vehicles and Zhud-Cochancay-El Triunfo for heavy vehicles. The ministry reported on Sunday, June 14th, that passage had been cleared at the Tendales sector, though mud and rock removal continues.