Ecuador Allocates Over $200 Million to Combat El Niño Effects Amid Record Rainfall
Ecuador has committed more than 200 million U.S. dollars to mitigate the impact of the El Niño climate phenomenon, as the country experiences unprecedented rainfall. President Daniel Noboa announced on Friday that the effects of El Niño began in September, with the most severe period anticipated between December 2026 and February 2027. The coastal region has already recorded record rainfall, with November's accumulated precipitation reaching 400 percent of the monthly average. In some areas of the Costa, rainfall in less than 72 hours equaled four times the typical amount for the entire month of November. The Ecuadorian government has also sought emergency credit lines from the World Bank to secure additional funding if needed. A national red alert has been in effect since August 29 due to the ongoing heavy rains and the evolving El Niño phenomenon.