The Tomebamba River has seen a significant increase in its flow this Thursday, December 5, 2024. What do the rain forecasts predict for the coming days?

For nearly 150 days, the Tomebamba River, which runs through Cuenca, has been nearly dry. On some days, its flow would briefly increase, only to drop again due to the prolonged hydrological drought affecting the Azuay capital.

However, since the end of November 2024, the flow of the Tomebamba has been steadily rising, thanks to rains in the Austro region. On December 5, 2024, the river’s flow reached 9.41 cubic meters per second.

At the peak of the drought, the Tomebamba’s flow dropped to less than one cubic meter per second, leaving the river at critically low levels.

Since late November, intermittent rainfall has returned to Cuenca. Heavy rain on December 3rd and 4th significantly boosted the flow of three of Cuenca’s four rivers: the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, and Machángara. The Tarqui River, however, remains in a low-water state.

The recent rains have been concentrated in higher-altitude areas, which are critical for water recharge, resulting in a marked increase in river flows.

Current River Conditions:

• Tomebamba, Machángara, and Yanuncay Rivers: Normal flow
• Tarqui River: Low flow

Key Statistics:

• 146 days of hydrological drought
• 97% chance of rain today
• UV radiation: Extreme
• Expected temperature: Approximately 24°C

The four rivers of Cuenca are tributaries of the Paute River, which hosts the Paute Hydroelectric Complex. This complex, comprising four hydroelectric plants, depends on the Mazar reservoir, a key component of Ecuador’s electricity generation.

In addition, the Santa Bárbara River, located in the Gualaceo canton, which also contributes to the Paute, has seen an increase in flow due to recent rainfall.

From the #VideovigilanciaECU911 room, preventive monitoring is ongoing for rains in the Concha Acústica sector of Gualaceo, where a noticeable increase in the Santa Bárbara River’s flow has been observed.

Weather Forecast

The weather outlook is promising, with moderate rains expected to continue in Cuenca until at least Sunday, December 8, according to ETAPA’s Hydrometeorological Network.

Despite the positive developments, ETAPA technicians remain cautious, emphasizing that the rainfall recorded so far is insufficient to fully overcome the hydrological drought.