Ecuador Raises El Niño Alert to Orange, Allocates $600 Million for Prevention

Ecuador has elevated its alert status to orange for multiple provinces as the El Niño phenomenon intensifies, prompting authorities to bolster preparedness and prevention measures against potential emergencies. The decision reflects the presence of abnormal ocean temperatures, a key indicator associated with the event.

Roberto Luque, Ecuador's Minister of Infrastructure and president of the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE), stated that the initial oceanic conditions linked to El Niño are already present. While these abnormal temperatures do not immediately signal the onset of heavy rainfall, they necessitate proactive measures. The government has earmarked approximately $600 million for preventive actions, which will be distributed across various institutions to address critical areas such as road infrastructure, healthcare, and social support. Luque urged decentralized autonomous governments to fulfill their respective responsibilities, emphasizing the need for municipalities to maintain water intake systems and for provincial governments to manage river systems to mitigate flood risks.

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The first condition is met, which is these abnormal temperatures. The ocean temperature is above the normal average.

The orange alert signifies a heightened state of readiness and mandates immediate response protocols. Provincial and cantonal COE committees are to remain active, with resources prioritized for mitigation projects, river interventions, and sewer system maintenance. Plans also include identifying temporary shelters and disseminating evacuation routes in anticipation of potential floods or landslides. The oceanic and atmospheric conditions will be reassessed every 15 days to monitor the evolving situation and adjust strategies accordingly.

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We are in time to act within the scope of each one's competence (...); municipalities must maintain water intake systems and prefectures must intervene in rivers to reduce the risk of flooding.