Ecuador mobilizes emergency funds, aid kits, and equipment as climate-driven rains displace thousands and strain local resources.
Ecuador is facing one of the most severe natural disasters in its history, as relentless rainfall has pushed the country into a full-scale emergency. The Secretariat of Risk Management has confirmed a 42% increase in rain-related events compared to 2024—already a record-breaking year—bringing the total to 2,102 rainfall events so far in 2025. This unprecedented surge has led to a surge in emergencies, flooding, and landslides that have affected 143,000 people nationwide.
“This is not just another rainy season,” said Jorge Carrillo, Secretary of Risk Management. “This is the highest number of rain events ever recorded in the country’s history, and it’s a clear consequence of climate change.”
The government has responded by officially declaring a state of emergency, enabling faster mobilization of resources and the activation of a previously secured $11.8 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The declaration allows the Secretariat to purchase humanitarian supplies and bolster its operational capacity.
A Widening Crisis
From the oil-contaminated shores of Esmeraldas, where a spill has compounded the environmental crisis, to mountain communities at risk of landslides, Ecuador’s vulnerabilities are on full display. Carrillo, who has been overseeing operations in some of the worst-hit areas, said the government is not only responding to multiple disasters simultaneously, but also contending with a lack of adequate resources to reach tens of thousands still awaiting aid.
According to the Secretariat, over 62,000 people are still waiting for humanitarian assistance. To meet the growing demand, the government plans to restock essential aid kits—including food, hygiene, and sleeping supplies—not only for the current emergency but also to prepare for future disasters. The kits, which have a limited shelf life, are crucial for survival in cut-off communities.
“This year alone, we’ve invested $2.4 million just in humanitarian kits,” Carrillo noted. “That’s up from $1.5 million last year. And that’s only from our Secretariat—other ministries and local governments are spending far more.”
Scaling Up for the Long Haul
With IDB funds now available in the Secretariat’s accounts, the government plans to expand beyond immediate relief. New trucks and rescue vehicles will be acquired, and additional staff will be hired to support expanded operations. The Secretariat, which currently has 462 employees, will see its workforce grow as the country adapts to a new normal defined by climate volatility.
Specialized drones for weather tracking and real-time satellite imaging will be added to the agency’s toolkit. These will assist in targeting relief efforts and identifying high-risk areas quickly—particularly as rains are forecast to continue until June.
In anticipation of extended displacement, the government is also improving temporary shelter infrastructure. While 2,300 accommodation sites already exist, officials have identified 600 more plots for future shelters to avoid overcrowding schools and other improvised spaces.
Carrillo emphasized that although the country is in emergency mode, procurement will still follow transparent procedures. Most items, such as aid kits, are sourced through Ecuador’s electronic catalog system, which allows for quick, accountable purchases.
On the Ground: Lives in Limbo
For those living through the floods, aid can’t come soon enough. In the community of Pimocha, Carrillo met a 17-year-old mother of three whose family had lost all income due to the flooding. “We brought her a kit with enough food for four people for 15 days. In cases like this, these kits don’t just help—they save lives,” he said.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. Despite planning efforts, the intensity and frequency of rainfall events are overwhelming local systems. Under the current model, local governments respond first; if overwhelmed, the prefecture steps in. If the prefecture lacks resources, the national government declares a disaster.
So far, 200,000 aid items have been distributed this year—an unprecedented figure. Carrillo says this kind of scale is now the new reality.
Preparing for the Next Wave
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) projects rainfall will persist along the coast through May and in the highlands through June. Landslides remain a significant concern, especially in areas like Alausí and Baños, where recent years have seen devastating collapses.
Looking ahead, Carrillo warns that climate change is reshaping Ecuador’s disaster landscape.
“We’re not just responding to an emergency anymore—we’re adapting to a future where this might be the norm,” he said. “And we have to be ready, not just for today, but for the years to come.”
I sure hope that the climate change deniers can stay dry. It’s just “weather,” right?