Cuenca experiences torrential rains, restoring river levels but causing flooding and disruptions throughout the city.
After over two months of severe drought, Cuenca was hit by torrential rains for two consecutive days, bringing relief to its parched rivers but also causing significant disruptions across the city.
The downpours began on Sunday, September 29, 2024, around 2:00 p.m. and continued through the afternoon, intensifying to levels that caused flooding, landslides, and disruptions to public transportation.
According to reports from the Cuenca Municipal Public Telecommunications and Drinking Water Company (Etapa), the heavy rains helped restore the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, and Machángara rivers to their normal flow levels. This was a much-needed development, as these rivers feed into the Mazar reservoir, a key component of the Paute Mazar hydroelectric complex, which is essential for Ecuador’s electricity supply.
Authorities stated that the rainfall, which reached a maximum intensity of 15 millimeters per hour and an accumulated 26.9 millimeters, significantly boosted the rivers’ flow, easing concerns about the ongoing drought that had lasted more than 70 days.
While the rain replenished the city’s water supply, it also caused complications. The sudden increase in river flow led to flooding in several areas, including Avenida de las Américas near the El Arenal market, where water accumulation forced the temporary suspension of tram services. Other neighborhoods, like Carmen de Guzho in the south and Miraflores Park in the north, also faced water-related disruptions and landslides.
In one notable incident, a person became trapped on an island in the Tomebamba River due to the rapidly rising water levels. The Cuenca Fire Department responded quickly and successfully rescued the individual.
Despite the short-term disruptions, the rains provided much-needed relief to Cuenca’s water systems and hydroelectric infrastructure. The National Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology (Inamhi) has forecasted more rain in the coming days, potentially signaling the end of the drought but also raising concerns about further flooding.
As images and videos circulated on social media showing Cuenca’s rivers once again brimming with water, residents were reminded of the delicate balance between relief and risk that comes with such intense weather changes. The city, after enduring a prolonged drought, now faces the challenge of managing both its water supply and the hazards of excessive rainfall.
Thank the Lord for our Good Fortune. I hope that no one was badly injured or died.Buildings can be replaced lives cannot. I’m very happy for the rainfall itself as it does replenish the water supply for our hydroelectrical system. These blackouts are more than any inconvenience at times they are a real problem. I wish every other Cuincano the very best fortune and health.