Plan International warns El Niño could affect nearly 390,000 children in Ecuador

Nearly 390,000 children and adolescents in Ecuador could face the effects of El Niño because they live in areas at high risk of flooding and landslides, Plan International warned.

The figure forms part of the 1.3 million people the Ecuadorian government estimates could be exposed across 17 of the country's 24 provinces. Plan International said children in those areas could experience particular consequences, including displacement and the loss of safe spaces at home, school or in their communities.

"Displacement and the loss of safe spaces, at home, at school or in the community, can have profound consequences in the lives of girls and boys," said Catalina Vaca, Plan International's representative in Ecuador. During an emergency, separation from families, increased stress and neglect could threaten children's protection, well-being and development. The organization also warned that some children could be pushed into child labor or other survival strategies.

The disruption could extend beyond the immediate emergency. Losing a home, school or daily routines suddenly can cause serious emotional harm and break the stable reference points children need while growing up, Vaca said.

Ecuador's government has declared a red alert across the country to strengthen preparedness. Plan International said preparation should include measures to keep education running, provide safe spaces and secure access to essential services and protection pathways if communities are affected. The government has so far announced a budget of more than $1.3 million for prevention, mitigation and preparation in the education system, focused mainly on maintaining educational services.

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Displacement and the loss of safe spaces, at home, at school or in the community, can have profound consequences in the lives of girls and boys.