Heavy rains and flooding cause casualties and disruption in Guayaquil and coastal Ecuador

Heavy rains and flooding caused significant disruption and casualties in Guayaquil and the coastal region of Ecuador on Friday, November 13, 2026. The intense weather, associated with the El Niño phenomenon, resulted in flooding across numerous sectors of the city and led to several tragic incidents. According to various reports, a father and son disappeared after falling into a ditch in the Florida Norte sector. Additionally, a taxi driver was found dead inside his vehicle on the road to Daule.

Impact and flooding in Guayaquil

The flooding has affected a large number of urban areas. While reports on the exact number of affected sectors vary, officials and media outlets noted widespread water accumulation. Segura EP reported that 18 points in Guayaquil experienced water accumulation as of 18:45 on November 13, 2026. Other reports indicated that the number of affected sectors in Guayaquil reached 40, while Segura EP reported 45 sectors with issues. In the Alborada sector, water levels reached the knees of residents on certain streets. Furthermore, water levels increased in a canal in Las Orquídeas, although officials did not confirm an official overflow in that area.

Meteorological models suggest the severity of the weather may continue. Estimates indicate potential rainfall accumulations exceeding 100 mm in Guayaquil, while Ambiand Perú estimates potential rainfall accumulations exceeding 120 mm in 24 hours near the city. High tide was expected between 20:00 and 21:00 on November 13, 2026, which could potentially hinder the drainage of rainwater from the city streets.

Meteorological alerts and safety warnings

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) issued meteorological alert No. 87 for Guayas and other coastal provinces. This alert is valid from 17:00 on Wednesday, November 11, until 07:00 on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Inamhi predicts intense rainfall for several regions, including Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, El Oro, Esmeraldas, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.

In response to the rising water levels, the National Emergency Operations Center (COE) advised residents living near the Daule River to remain alert for potential flooding. Alex Anchundia, the General Manager of Segura EP, advised residents in low-lying areas to avoid going out while rains persist. Emergency services remain active as the weather conditions continue to impact the coastal region.

Glossary

• Guayas — Guayas is a province that is part of the economic projection of the Guayas basin. It is one of the nine provinces favored by the development of this basin.
• Los Ríos — Los Ríos is a province that is expected to experience intense rainfall according to meteorological predictions.
• Manabí — Manabí is an Ecuadorian province that contains the central-south conurbation of Manabí central. This area is formed by Portoviejo, Manta, and several agglomerated parishes and cities.
• El Niño phenomenon — The El Niño phenomenon is a phenomenon that government experts attributed to a drought in Ecuador. It is associated with intense weather such as heavy rains and flooding.
• Segura EP — Segura EP is an entity that provides municipal control agents. It also reports on water accumulation in urban areas.