Esmeraldas, Ecuador - On June 3, the provinces of Esmeraldas experienced intense rainfall, leading to the overflow of seven rivers in five local districts. The districts of Atacames, Esmeraldas, Musine, Quinindé, and Rioverde were among the most severely affected areas, with devastating consequences for local communities.

The situation in Esmeraldas remains critical, with significant challenges facing the affected population. Local communities, in collaboration with the national government, have established six temporary shelters across the province to provide refuge and support to those impacted by the flooding.

The effects of the floods are particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, such as children. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2018, 22.7 percent of children under the age of two in Esmeraldas already suffer from chronic malnutrition. The current flooding exacerbates their already fragile situation and calls for urgent attention and assistance.

Moreover, the province of Esmeraldas faces high levels of poverty. The Ecuadorian National Institute of Statistics and Census reported in 2021 that Esmeraldas has an income poverty rate of 52.9 percent. This means that more than half of the population in the province already lives in impoverished conditions, making them more susceptible to the devastating impacts of natural disasters.

In response to the crisis, the National Secretariat of Disaster Management (SGR) is coordinating the distribution of humanitarian assistance. To ensure the safe delivery of aid, military escorts accompany the relief efforts. The SGR's prompt response is crucial in providing essential resources and support to the affected communities.

As the situation unfolds in Esmeraldas, the local government, national authorities, and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to address the immediate needs of the affected population. The challenges posed by the flooding and its aftermath highlight the urgency of providing comprehensive support to mitigate the long-term effects and facilitate the recovery process.

The people of Esmeraldas remain resilient in the face of adversity, and with the support of national and international efforts, they will strive to rebuild their lives and communities in the wake of this devastating natural disaster.