Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
A civil-society observatory reports that 2,143 children and adolescents were reported missing in Ecuador in the first half of 2026, with 273 still not found and unresolved cases up 137% from the same period in 2025.
A 2026 IAEN study puts Ecuador's annual violence cost above USD 12.2 billion, or USD 1,127 per person. The burden shows up in households, companies, tourism, exports, and public budgets.
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded in Guayas late Sunday night, with the epicenter confirmed in Duran. Authorities reported no injuries or infrastructure damage, but the tremor was felt in 17 cantons across Guayas, Bolivar, and Los Rios.
Ecuador moved from yellow to orange alert for El Niño conditions after national emergency officials reviewed current meteorological conditions. The measure covers 17 provinces, 143 cantons and 491 parishes.
Ecuador’s Prosecutor’s Office says internet-scam victims should gather payment receipts, screenshots, bank-account details and related transaction information before filing a complaint. The agency says a cédula is the only required document and the process is free.
Ecuador’s National Transit Agency says fraudulent emails are using its name, logo and institutional image to claim unpaid fines or vehicle taxes. The agency says official checks for fines, licenses and vehicle procedures should be made through its official portal.
Ecuador has identified 45 cantons considered strategic points for organized-crime routes involving drugs, weapons and illicit money. Twenty-seven are rated high risk, showing that security risk is no longer limited to the largest port cities.
Quito’s municipal control agency closed two establishments in Conocoto after complaints about possible irregularities and improper charges. The warning is practical: use official municipal channels and be careful with anyone promising to “speed up” paperwork.
Ecuador’s July 16 forecast calls for variable skies, isolated rain and elevated temperatures, with radiation levels ranging from high to extremely high. Inamhi’s Alert 51 remains active through Friday, July 17.
President Daniel Noboa issued Decree 448 to make Ecuador’s 2025-2029 National Security Plan mandatory public policy nationwide. The plan names organized crime, narcotrafficking, illegal mining, money laundering, corruption, and cyberattacks among the country’s main risks.
Ecuadorian authorities list several ways to report extortion, including 1800 DELITO, ECU 911, the 131 line, Fiscalía, QR-code reporting, a WhatsApp rewards number, and a Ministry of Interior digital form.
Inamhi’s July 13 forecast calls for isolated rain, high to extremely high UV levels, and Sierra wind gusts in Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua.
