Government Activates Red Alert in Pichincha, Esmeraldas, and Los Ríos — 16 More Provinces at Orange

If you’re planning to travel this Carnival weekend, check the weather first — and then check it again.

Ecuador’s National Risk Management Secretariat (SNGR) issued Resolution SNGR-028-2026, updating emergency alert levels across the country. Three provinces are now at the highest risk tier, with most of the rest not far behind.

Alert Levels by Province

Red Alert (Highest Risk)

• Pichincha (includes Quito and surrounding valleys)
• Esmeraldas (northern coast)
• Los Ríos (central lowlands)

Orange Alert (16 provinces)

Zamora Chinchipe, Guayas, Azuay, Cotopaxi, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Napo, Orellana, Chimborazo, Bolívar, El Oro, Carchi, Imbabura, Loja, Manabí, Morona Santiago, and Sucumbíos.

Yellow Alert (4 provinces)

Tungurahua, Cañar, Pastaza, and Santa Elena.

What the Alerts Mean

The SNGR based its assessment on:

• Weather events and affected populations already recorded in 2026
• Historical precipitation data for February, March, and April
• Short-term forecasts from INAMHI (Ecuador’s meteorological institute)

Red alert means the province has experienced significant weather damage and faces the highest probability of continued impacts. Regional and municipal governments are required to activate response plans, strengthen monitoring systems, and implement preventive measures.

What’s Already Happened

This isn’t theoretical. In Guayas province alone, 700 hectares have already flooded this season, putting approximately 38,000 agricultural producers at risk. The Cuenca-Guayaquil highway has had landslide issues. Multiple roads across the Sierra are affected.

What This Means for Expats

• Quito residents: Pichincha is at red alert. That means mudslide risk in hillside neighborhoods, potential road closures on the Panamericana and Ruta Viva, and flooding in low-lying areas. The valleys (Tumbaco, Cumbayá, Los Chillos) are particularly vulnerable to river flooding
• Cuenca/Azuay: Orange alert. The Tomebamba and Yanuncay rivers can rise quickly. Stay away from riverbanks during heavy rain. The Cuenca-Girón road has been affected by slides
• Coast travel: If you’re heading to the beach for Carnival, Manabí and Santa Elena are at orange and yellow respectively. Roads may be affected. Check ECU 911 and SNGR social media before departing
• Loja/Vilcabamba: Orange alert. Southern highlands roads can be affected by slides, especially the Loja-Vilcabamba stretch
• Emergency contacts: ECU 911 for all emergencies. Follow @Abordo_EC and @ABORDOBOL on social media for real-time road updates

Sources: El Universo, SNGR, INAMHI