Ecuador Roads Closed Due to Heavy Rains During Holiday

The Ministry of Transportation and Public Works reported on Sunday, May 5th, 2024 regarding the situation of the roads in Ecuador.

Several highways in the country have experienced partial and total closures on the last day of the holiday due to the heavy rains.

In Azuay, since Saturday night, public officials have been working on cleaning up several landslides that have occurred on the Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme road.

"There have been four landslides registered at kilometers 10, 11, 12, and 15, which have blocked the road at the exit of Cuenca," the Ministry of Transportation reported.

The alternative route to travel between Azuay and Guayas is Zhud-Cochanacay-Puerto Inca.

Authorities have detailed that "they plan to open one lane by Tuesday and continue with the cleanup throughout the week."

Ministry of Transportation and Public Works 🇪🇨: "#Azuay | We continue to work on the debris removal on the Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme road km 12. At this point, there was a landslide of around 10,000 m³ of material. It is planned to open one lane until Tuesday and continue with the cleanup during the week. pic.twitter.com/muJ8If6xOo"

Macas-Riobamba Road

The ECU 911 of Austro reported that the Macas-Riobamba road has seen the presence of a giant rock due to a landslide at the site.

As of the publication of this article at 19:00, the road remains completely closed at kilometer 45, at the Chimborazo boundary.

An alternative route is the Macas-Puyo-Riobamba road.

Coordination Zonal 6 ECU 911 Austro: "Update: ❌ The Macas-Riobamba road remains completely closed at kilometer 45, at the limits with the province of Chimborazo. There is a landslide and the presence of a large rock. 🛣️ Alternative route: Macas-Puyo-Riobamba. #VíasECU911 pic.twitter.com/Ti1omEhiQW"

Roads with Issues in the East

On Sunday morning, the Macas-Puyo road was closed to vehicular traffic over the Upano River due to flooding.

By 13:00, the passage on this road located in Morona Santiago was reopened.

In Orellana, the E20 - E45 road from Narupa-Loreto and the Los Zorros-La Belleza-Chontapunta road were cleared with machinery.

In these areas, minor landslides on the road were reported, causing difficulties in vehicular traffic.

Imbabura and Tungurahua

In Imbabura, minor landslides were reported, causing mobility issues within the province.

By 15:30, one lane of the E10 Lita-Salinas road, in the Peña Negra and Rocafuerte sectors, was opened.

Tungurahua also faced issues on one of its roads.

After 14:00, one lane was opened in the Río Negro sector, part of the E30 Baños-Puyo road, following the heavy rains that caused problems in the area.