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Heavy rains paralyzed Guayaquil, flooding its streets. The city of Guayaquil, located on the coast of Ecuador, has remained paralyzed due to the scourge of strong winter storms, accompanied by lightning and floods. The storm caused the fall of trees and high speed winds. At least 13 sectors were left without electricity and vehicular traffic is completely stopped due to the accumulation of water. The Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Ecuadorian Navy reported that the levels of extreme tidal amplitude, plus the increases in the flow of the Guayas River due to rainfall, caused overflow in some sectors. The mayoress of Guayaquil, stated at a press conference that no injuries have been ruled out, but 250 firefighters remain active in rescuing people from their homes. Historical was the level of high tide that was registered yesterday in the city. From the normal 4.8 meters it went to 5.1; which, added to the heavy rainfall that occurred, once again left the city under water. A situation that not only affected dozens of homes, especially in neighborhoods and citadels that had to be assisted by personnel from the Fire Department, who helped transport citizens in boats, it also complicated vehicular traffic. Therefore, the Municipality of Guayaquil recommended that citizens not leave their homes until Saturday, unless it is strictly necessary. In addition, he asked the private sector to take advantage of the teleworking modality. After the heavy rain, Inamhi explained that the flooding occurred due to the period of aguaje that will last until March 24. “The rainfall conditions in the upper and middle basin of the Guayas River have caused the increase in flows and their levels by around 40 centimeters,“ explained the institute. In other words, the overflow was produced “by the amplitude of the external tide“ plus the increase in the river’s water levels, as a result of the rains.
