El Nino Risk List Includes 460 Ecuador Health Facilities

At least 460 hospitals and health centers in Ecuador are at risk from El Nino conditions.

The current El Nino episode began on June 11, 2026, according to NOAA. Ecuadorian authorities expect the greater intensity for the country from October 2026, while the UN has warned that the strong episode will occur between July and September 2026.

Where The Risk Sits

There are 20 hospitals and 440 health centers operating in the 491 parishes under yellow alert for El Nino.

The facilities include 20 hospitals, 396 type A health centers, 30 type B health centers, and 14 type C health centers. Most of the facilities are in Manabi and Guayas.

The main risks for health facilities in exposed zones are flooding and landslides. Former health minister Jose Ruales also warned about rain damage to infrastructure, including hospitals with roof problems, even outside flood-prone zones.

Why Expats Should Care

The public health ministry has not reported a contingency plan for this climate event.

One possible contingency for smaller health centers would be moving personnel and equipment to temporary infrastructure if needed. Hospitals with special flooding risk also need to plan for moving dialysis and emergency equipment located on ground floors.

If you live in a flood-prone coastal or rural area, this is a good time to know your backup clinic, alternate road access, and medication supply before the weather does the planning for you.