Cuenca Conducts Extensive Simulations to Bolster El Niño and Earthquake Preparedness Amidst Regional Challenges

Cuenca's emergency response capabilities were put to the test yesterday, September 22, 2026, with a comprehensive simulation designed to assess readiness for earthquakes and the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. The exercise involved the temporary closure of Max Uhle avenue, the deployment of fire trucks and ambulances, and the mobilization of various emergency organizations.

The simulation commenced around 10:00 with an alarm sounding inside the Empresa Eléctrica Regional Centrosur building. Employees and workers promptly evacuated the facilities, moving to a designated safe zone within one of the parking lots. Participating in the operation were firefighters, police, traffic agents, and citizen guards, demonstrating a coordinated multi-agency response.

Throughout the exercise, monitoring rooms at ECU 911 and the Citizen Security Council (CSC) supervised activities and coordinated necessary actions to address potential incidents. Simultaneously, other related exercises were monitored in the rural parishes of Chaucha and Molleturo, areas of Cuenca that have historically experienced significant impacts from the El Niño phenomenon. Further simulations were also conducted in the cantons of Camilo Ponce Enríquez, situated on the borders of Azuay and El Oro provinces, and in Girón, a region prone to constant landslides.

These simulations follow the National Government's declaration of a red alert due to the El Niño phenomenon, underscoring the urgency of preparedness efforts. Sixto Heras, head of the Cuenca Fire Department, confirmed that the institution has 120 firefighters available for emergencies within the canton's identified risk areas. Forty of these firefighters participated in the Centrosur simulation.

A day prior to these exercises, Cuenca's Mayor Marisol Peñaloza, who chairs the Cantonal COE, activated this body and declared it in permanent session. During this session, 14 resolutions were established, including the identification of 31 temporary shelters for use in El Niño-related emergencies.

Carolina Lozano, National Secretary of Risk and Emergency Management (SNGRE), stated that the National Government has allocated 650 million dollars through various state portfolios to address the effects of El Niño across the country. However, the Provincial Government of Azuay has expressed concern regarding observations from the National Public Procurement Service (Sercop), which have currently stalled the contracting of supplies and works valued at approximately 11 million dollars. Prefect Alexandra Quintanilla, who presides over the Provincial Operations and Emergency Committee (COE) of Azuay, noted that pending processes include the contracting of machinery, acquisition of materials for building walls and protecting bridges, and the contracting of five Bailey bridges, which have been delayed since March. Carolina Lozano clarified that Sercop's role is not to impede contracts but to ensure compliance with current regulations.

In related news, forest fires have significantly impacted the province of Azuay. As of Monday, September 21, 2026, 1,552 hectares have been affected. Cuenca is the most impacted canton, with 496.16 hectares of incinerated vegetation. Other severely affected cantons include Nabón (236.05 ha), Girón (156.53 ha), Santa Isabel (155.45 ha), Paute (130.76 ha), and Gualaceo (118.93 ha). The cantons of El Pan and Camilo Ponce Enríquez have not yet registered forest fires.

What This Means for Expats

For foreign residents in Cuenca and the broader Azuay province, these ongoing simulations and preparedness efforts highlight the local government's commitment to disaster readiness. While the immediate impact of a simulation is minimal, it serves as a crucial reminder of the potential for natural events like earthquakes and the El Niño phenomenon. Expats should be aware of the identified temporary shelters and understand local emergency protocols. The delays in provincial procurement for El Niño mitigation works, while being addressed by Sercop, indicate that some infrastructure projects intended to protect against the phenomenon are not yet underway. The widespread forest fires across Azuay also underscore the importance of vigilance, especially during dry periods, and awareness of local fire safety guidelines. Staying informed about local emergency announcements and having a personal emergency plan are prudent steps for all residents.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: AI-generated illustration.