Seven Azuay Cantons Are on the El Nino Risk Map
Cuenca Expat Staff
Azuay is back on the El Nino watch list, and some local areas matter more than others.
El Mercurio interviewed Froilan Salinas, Zone 6 coordinator for Ecuador's Risk Management office, about the national yellow alert tied to a possible El Nino event.
Salinas said Ecuador has an 82% probability of El Nino conditions in June and July.
He also said a stronger presence is probable around December 2026 or the first quarter of 2027, reaching 97%.
Where Azuay Is Vulnerable
El Mercurio reports that 143 cantons nationwide are in the risk picture.
In Azuay, Salinas said seven cantons are included, plus two Cuenca parishes.
The areas he specifically named include:
- Molleturo
- Chaucha
- Giron
- Santa Isabel
- Pucara
- Ona
- Nabon
He said areas below 1,500 meters above sea level, including Molleturo and Chaucha in Cuenca, have historical vulnerability.
He also pointed to the Jubones River basin, where Giron, Santa Isabel and Pucara are located.
What El Nino Can Bring
El Mercurio reports Salinas described El Nino as abnormal warming of Pacific waters on Ecuador's coast, combined with wind and atmospheric changes that increase humidity.
He said possible effects include intense rain, overflowing rivers, floods and landslides.
What This Means For Cuenca Expats
This is not a reason to panic in El Centro. It is a reason to pay attention if you live, drive or own property in lower-elevation rural areas, especially toward Molleturo, Chaucha and the Jubones basin.
If you rely on the Cuenca-to-coast routes, keep an eye on official road and weather updates as June and July move in.
Source: El Mercurio
