Yanuncay River Families Still Displaced After Last Week's Historic Flood

What Happened

On March 12, the Yanuncay River experienced its worst flooding in over 20 years, driven by intense rains upstream. The surge overwhelmed riverbanks in the Barabón area — upstream from the city center, along the road toward Soldados and the western highlands.

The Damage

More than a week later, the recovery is still underway:

• Five families in Barabón remain displaced from their homes
• One adobe house was completely destroyed by the floodwaters
• A bridge connecting San José and San Juan communities collapsed
• The road to Soldados has multiple damaged sections — some areas remain impassable
• "Bio Yanuncay" — a popular riverside restaurant that had been operating for 10 years — sustained major structural damage

What's Being Done

The city is mobilizing resources:

• 4,000 cubic meters of stone are being secured for riverbank reinforcement (gaviones — wire-cage rock walls)
• Engineers are assessing the collapsed bridge and damaged road sections
• Helicopter supply drops continue to isolated communities in the Chaucha and Molleturo areas further upstream (related to the earlier storm damage)

Why This Matters for Expats

If you live along the Yanuncay corridor:

The Yanuncay River runs through some of Cuenca's most popular residential areas — from Misicata and Baños through the heart of the city along the Barranco. Many expats live within walking distance of the river.

The March 12 flood was an outlier event (worst in 20+ years), but it's a reminder that river proximity comes with risk, especially during the rainy season (February-May).

Practical notes:

• If your home or apartment is in a flood zone near the Yanuncay (or any of Cuenca's four rivers), know your evacuation route
• Don't cross flooded areas on foot or by car — river currents are stronger than they look
• The road to Soldados — a popular weekend drive through scenic highlands — is currently unreliable. Check conditions before heading out

If you know the affected families: Community support is being coordinated through the parroquia (parish) of Barabón. The displaced families need basic supplies and temporary housing assistance.

The Bigger Picture

This flood is part of a pattern: the 2026 rainy season has been unusually intense in the Cuenca basin. The Chaucha communities are still cut off. The Sustag water pipeline was damaged. And the Yanuncay — normally one of Cuenca's gentler rivers — turned destructive.

Climate patterns are shifting, and Cuenca's infrastructure is being tested. The city's response has been competent but reactive. Long-term riverbank reinforcement and upstream water management will be critical.

Source: El Mercurio