Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
The Paute basin averaged 94.8 cubic meters per second in August, below its historical August average of 136.4. Mazar inflows averaged 56 cubic meters per second against a historical 90, putting the reservoir and dry-season power management back in focus.
Ecuador's Secretariat for Risk Management says the red alert for El Nino does not mean intense rain is about to begin everywhere. The agency says the alert activates preparedness, COE coordination, action plans, and stronger monitoring.
A rain-triggered lahar was recorded at El Reventador on August 30. Authorities said the event was not linked to increased internal volcanic activity and urged people to stay away from river and ravine channels.
The U.S. keeps Ecuador at Level 2 overall but recommends reconsidering travel to Manabi, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo, and Sucumbios, while naming several areas under a do-not-travel warning.
A Constitutional Court ruling changed the legal framework for Uber, InDrive, and Didi drivers, but Ecuavisa reports continuing enforcement disputes in several cities. The report includes practical steps drivers can take during a traffic stop.
INAMHI says elevated daytime temperatures, wind gusts, and very high UV levels will persist in 11 provinces through Sunday. The warning also identifies conditions that could help forest fires spread.
Ecuador’s financial-intelligence unit has launched a platform for anonymous reports about suspected money laundering and related crimes. The system has separate forms for money-laundering reports and possible corruption inside the UAFE.
Ecuador’s sanitary regulator closed an unlicensed Guayaquil sausage factory after six people were reported intoxicated. Arcsa ordered the withdrawal of Embutidos Don Ángel and suspended sanitary notification 43996-ALN-0824.
Inamhi forecast isolated rain in all four Ecuadorian regions on August 17, with the strongest Sierra rain expected in the afternoon and evening in Tulcán, Ibarra, Quito, and Latacunga. UV levels range from moderate to very high nationwide.
Ecuador’s risk-management authorities reported cracks and falling masonry in six homes after the magnitude 7.4 Colombia earthquake was felt across several Ecuadorian provinces. A building in central Guayaquil also shed masonry onto a sidewalk.
The Education Ministry says 264 institutions are prioritized for preventive work and that 17 of Ecuador's 24 provinces moved from yellow to orange alert.
Police found cocaine hidden in 1,080 contaminated banana boxes at the Port of Guayaquil. No suspect was detained in the operation, according to the report.
