ECUADOR · FLOODS
Key Facts
- —What is happening Fifteen rivers, streams and canals overflowed across five coastal provinces of Ecuador on Tuesday, 27 October, up from about a dozen a day earlier.
- —Why it matters El Niño, a warming of Pacific waters that brings heavy rain, has reached its peak phase, and more downpours are forecast for the coast until Wednesday.
- —The numbers Guayas has nine of the 15 overflows, El Oro three, and Santa Elena, Esmeraldas and Los Ríos one each; the official tally lists no deaths.
- —Who is who The National Secretariat for Risk Management leads disaster response, the weather institute INAMHI issues warnings, and President Daniel Noboa heads the government.
- —What to watch INAMHI’s rain warning runs until 23:00 on Wednesday, 28 October, and more rain and high tides could add overflows in Guayas and El Oro.
- —Power Index Ecuador ranks 8th of 14 in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index, with 38.2 points (October 2026 edition).
- —What it means for you Travellers to Guayaquil and the coast should expect flooded streets and delays, check US State Department advice, and call 911 in an emergency.
Rivers, tidal creeks and canals are out of their banks from Esmeraldas to El Oro. The official count rose by three in one day as El Niño rain continues.
Ecuador rivers overflow in five provinces on the Pacific coast, with 15 water bodies out of their banks on Tuesday, 27 October. The National Secretariat for Risk Management, the government disaster agency, counted them at 07:00.
The rain is linked to El Niño, a warming of Pacific waters that shifts weather patterns worldwide. The count stood at about a dozen on Monday, 26 October.
Where Ecuador Rivers Overflow Now
Guayas, home to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port, has nine of the 15 overflows. They include the Pilco, Tenguel, Balao, Pula, Jaboncillo, Jaguas and Arenas rivers, plus two tidal creeks.
Affected cantons in Guayas, Ecuador’s local districts, are Daule, Guayaquil, Naranjal, Balzar and Playas. The Tenguel river lies in a rural parish of Guayaquil canton.
In El Oro, on the Peruvian border, the El Macho canal and La Puentecita area are listed in Machala, the capital. The Chaguana river is listed in El Guabo, in the same province.
Santa Elena has the California river, and Esmeraldas has the Bogotá river near San Lorenzo. Los Ríos has the Las Lolas river near Babahoyo.
What the Weather Institute Expects
INAMHI, Ecuador’s national meteorology and hydrology institute, said on 23 October that El Niño had entered a stronger phase. Its warning No. 83 runs from 16:00 on Sunday, 25 October, to 23:00 on Wednesday, 28 October.
The warning covers heavy rain, electrical storms and wind gusts, with the strongest rain forecast for the coast. The institute also warns that rivers could rise.
Water collected in Guayaquil streets on Monday, 26 October, as storms and high tide combined. High tide again left water standing in parts of the city on Tuesday, 27 October.
Why It Matters
Guayas, El Oro and Los Ríos are heartlands of Ecuador’s banana and shrimp farming, exports that reach US supermarkets. The official count reports no damage to farms, ports or shipments so far.
Coastal floods often cut roads and power, and rivers can keep rising after the rain stops. Readers can follow earlier flooding in this report on October floods and the El Niño peak phase report.
What It Means for You
Travellers to Guayaquil, Machala or the coast should expect flooded streets, closed roads and delays at short notice. Allow extra time for airport transfers and follow local authorities.
The US State Department, Washington’s foreign ministry, publishes an Ecuador travel advisory. US citizens can enrol in its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program alerts.
The coast flood safety guide for US travellers lists official alerts and emergency numbers. The Ecuador hub tracks the wider political and economic picture.
What Is Not Known
The official river report gives no figures for people affected, evacuated or missing, and no damage estimate. It mentions no deaths.
Counts differ by source: Monday’s total was given as 11 in one report and 12 in another. The Tuesday figure is a 07:00 snapshot, and no later national count was found at midday in Ecuador.
It is unclear how long the rivers will stay above their banks. It is also open whether the weather institute will extend its warning after it expires on Wednesday night.
What Comes Next
INAMHI’s warning No. 83 expires at 23:00 on Wednesday, 28 October, unless it is extended. The risk agency has updated its river count regularly this month, so the total may change quickly.
A rising count means more water bodies over their banks, not necessarily more damage. Casualty and damage figures come separately from officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provinces in Ecuador have overflowing rivers?
Guayas has nine, El Oro three, and Santa Elena, Esmeraldas and Los Ríos one each, in the count of Tuesday, 27 October. All five lie on Ecuador’s Pacific coast.
Has anyone died in the Ecuador river overflows?
The official river count lists no deaths, evacuations or damage figures. Check the risk agency for updates, as the situation can change within hours.
Is it safe for US travellers to visit Guayaquil?
Expect flooded streets and delays during heavy rain, and never cross flooded roads. Check the State Department advisory and your airline before travelling.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a periodic warming of Pacific waters that shifts rainfall patterns. On Ecuador’s coast it brings heavier and longer rain.
When will the rain ease?
The weather institute forecasts strong rain and storms until 23:00 on Wednesday, 28 October, when its warning expires. The sources reviewed give no longer forecast.
Sources: National Secretariat for Risk Management of Ecuador, river overflow report of 27 October; INAMHI, Ecuador’s national meteorology and hydrology institute, warning No. 83 of 25 October; US State Department, Ecuador travel advisory (all accessed 27 October 2026).
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief