Letters to Quito: Is Ecuador’s Amazon ready for El Niño?

Is Ecuador’s Amazon really prepared for the effects of El Niño? The question comes from a citizen concerned about a region that includes Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, Zamora Chinchipe, Sucumbíos and Orellana.

The Amazon is rich in rivers, streams, waterfalls, lakes and lagoons, but it is also exposed to intense rain, overflowing waterways, floods and landslides. The national emergency declaration over the natural phenomenon, the letter argues, should become an opportunity to strengthen prevention rather than simply respond after tragedies occur.

Roads and bridges remain a major concern in some Amazonian areas. Landslides and heavy rain can leave communities cut off for hours or even days. Existing needs in education, healthcare, infrastructure and basic services could become more serious during an emergency, especially for children, older people, people with disabilities and families living in vulnerable areas.

“

Prevention will always be less painful and less costly than rebuilding after a tragedy.

The writer calls on national, provincial and municipal authorities to clean and maintain roads and bridges, identify danger zones, reinforce early-warning systems, prepare shelters, stock medicines and food, and coordinate response agencies effectively.

“Prevention will always be less painful and less costly than rebuilding after a tragedy,” the letter says. It adds that the Amazon is not asking for privileges, but for attention, prevention and timely responses. The writer closes with an appeal for authorities to listen now, before they have reason to regret it later.

“

The Amazon is not asking for privileges. It is asking for attention, prevention and timely responses.