ECUADOR · WEATHER
Key Facts
- The city Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and main port, on the Pacific coast.
- What happened Torrential rain flooded more than 40 sectors of Guayaquil on Friday 13 November 2026, trapping cars.
- The toll Reports describe a taxi driver found dead in his car and a father and son missing.
- The help Segura EP, the city safety agency, told low-area residents to stay off the streets; shelters opened.
- Power Index Ecuador ranks 8th of 14 in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index, with 37.2 points (November 2026 edition).
Guayaquil’s streets turned into rivers on Friday 13 November 2026, when torrential rain flooded more than 40 sectors, trapped cars and snarled the main roads out of the city. Reports also describe a taxi driver found dead in his vehicle on the road to Daule and a father and son missing after falling into a ditch.
For US readers, the floods matter to travellers who pass through Guayaquil, to the large Ecuadorian community in the United States with family in the city, and to anyone who ships goods through its port. Ecuador’s national weather institute, INAMHI, keeps a weather alert active for Guayas province, where Guayaquil lies.
What Happened
Rain and thunderstorms hit Guayaquil in the early hours and again in the afternoon, which was the main period of water build-up. Segura EP said at least 45 sectors had standing water, and by the evening of Friday the north of the city was flooded.
Water covered long stretches of Juan Tanca Marengo avenue, including near the Colegio Americano school, and long queues formed in the California II sector. Other affected areas included Samanes, La Alborada, Sauces and Florida Norte.
Where Roads Were Hit
ECU 911, Ecuador’s national emergency line, reported heavy traffic on Vía a Daule, the main road north to the town of Daule, at kilometre 8.5 and blamed the rain and standing water. Flooding was also reported at kilometre 7 of the same road, which leads north out of the city.
On the Avenida Perimetral ring road, water reached the tunnel access and covered parts of several vehicles. ECU 911 also reported heavy congestion at kilometre 25 of the Perimetral, and its Sambórondon office urged drivers to slow down and keep their distance.
Deaths and Missing People
Reports say a taxi driver was found dead inside his vehicle on the road to Daule, and that a father and son went missing in Florida Norte after falling into a ditch. The cause of the taxi driver’s death and the fate of the father and son were not stated in the reports we reviewed.
We could not confirm these cases with a single official statement, so treat them as reports. The city’s emergency services have not yet given a combined toll.
Las Orquídeas and the North-West
The canal in the Las Orquídeas district overflowed again, in an area where water entered homes earlier this month. Residents also reported flooded streets and houses in La Ladrillera in the north-west.
Segura EP said it sent resources to flood-risk areas, mainly Las Orquídeas and the north-west, with constant monitoring. Our earlier reports on the Las Orquídeas flood victims and the high tides this month explain why the district is so exposed.
What Officials Said
Álex Anchundia, manager of Segura EP, asked residents of low-lying areas to take shelter. He warned that high tide was due in the coming hours, which could make it harder for water to drain, and some roads would stay under water for several hours.
The city government kept four temporary shelters open for affected families, including CAMI Pascuales and the Polifuncional Zumar. Ecuador’s national emergency committee, the COE, told people near the Daule River to watch for overflows and not to cross flooded roads on foot or by car.
What It Means for You
If you plan to travel through Guayaquil in the coming days, allow extra time for the roads out to the north and check flight and bus times before leaving. INAMHI’s alert warns of rain in several provinces through Sunday 15 November 2026, so the same streets could flood again.
US companies and families with ties to the city should expect delays on the north routes, including the roads towards Daule. Anyone in a low-lying district should follow the instructions of Segura EP and ECU 911.
What Is Not Known
The reports give no rainfall measurement in millimetres, and no official count of damaged homes. It is not known how many people are in shelters.
The deaths and missing persons above are not yet confirmed in an official toll. It is also not known when the water will drain from the worst-hit streets.
More: Ecuador news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Did Guayaquil Flood on 13 November?
Water covered parts of Juan Tanca Marengo avenue, Vía a Daule and the Perimetral ring road. Segura EP reported at least 45 sectors with standing water, and the Las Orquídeas canal overflowed again.
Were There Deaths in the Guayaquil Floods?
Reports say a taxi driver was found dead in his car on the road to Daule and a father and son went missing in Florida Norte. An official toll has not been published.
Which Roads Should Drivers Avoid in Guayaquil?
Segura EP, the city safety agency, asked drivers to avoid Vía a Daule and Juan Tanca Marengo near the Colegio Americano. ECU 911 also reported heavy congestion on the Perimetral.
Will It Keep Raining in Guayaquil?
INAMHI, Ecuador’s national weather institute, says its alert for Guayas stays active and warns of rain in several provinces through 15 November 2026.
Sources: ECU 911, national emergency service, traffic and flood alerts, 13 November 2026; Segura EP, Guayaquil municipal safety agency, public statements by manager Álex Anchundia, 13 November 2026; Municipality of Guayaquil, temporary shelters, 13 November 2026; INAMHI, Ecuador national weather institute, alert for Guayas, 13 November 2026; COE Nacional, national emergency committee, advisory, 13 November 2026.
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