El Nino Risk Map Exposes 460 Health Facilities In Yellow-Alert Parishes

At least 460 hospitals and health centers in Ecuador are exposed to El Nino risk.

The current El Nino episode began on June 11, 2026, according to NOAA. Ecuadorian authorities expect the country's greater intensity from October 2026, while the UN has warned that the strong episode will occur between July and September 2026.

Facility Exposure

The exposed network includes 20 hospitals and 440 health centers operating in 491 parishes under yellow alert for El Nino.

The health-center base includes 396 type A centers, 30 type B centers, and 14 type C centers. Most of the exposed establishments are concentrated in Manabi and Guayas.

The main physical risks are flooding and landslides. Former health minister Jose Ruales also warned that rains can affect hospital infrastructure through roof problems, even outside floodable zones.

What To Watch

The Ministry of Public Health has not reported a contingency plan for this climate event.

For investors, insurers, logistics operators, and health providers, the operational watchpoints are contingency planning, equipment relocation, road access to facilities, and medicine supply in exposed areas.