Severe flooding impacts Galapagos Islands, triggering emergency response
Unusually heavy rainfall, linked to the Super Niño climate phenomenon, has severely impacted the Galapagos Islands in recent days. At least 2,000 residents on Santa Cruz Island, the archipelago’s most populated, have been affected by the flooding.
The intense rains, which began on October 30th, have resulted in flooded streets, uninhabitable homes, and forced the evacuation of families.
The Ecuadorian government has dispatched two flights from the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) carrying tons of humanitarian aid, including food, water, clothing, medicine, mattresses, and pumps to remove accumulated water. The Navy is also providing logistical and humanitarian support.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy has restricted access to nine beaches and tourist attractions on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela Islands. This action supplements previous restrictions imposed by the Galapagos National Park on six sites.
The ministry reports that, so far, no deaths of giant tortoises or wild birds have been reported due to the flooding. The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and its facilities remain unaffected.
The Ministry of Economic and Productive Development has urged tourist accommodations in the Galapagos to activate and maintain their safety plans in response to the ongoing emergency.
The Super Niño has also caused significant flooding on the Ecuadorian mainland, particularly in Guayaquil, the country’s main port city.
Source
“Ecuador: Imágenes del desastre causado por el Súper Niño en Galápagos que obligó a cerrar atracciones turísticas y enviar ayuda de emergencia”
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