The destruction and disruption of services caused by a major natural disaster make it important to plan ahead of time. It is imperative that your entire family is involved in the planning, and aware of what to do in the case of an emergency. Because emergency and weather-related conditions can change rapidly, it is important to take steps now to improve your preparedness. The key to surviving a natural disaster is planning.
Volcanic Activity: Recent activity at the Cotopaxi and Tungurahua volcanoes has emphasized how vital it is that you and your family are prepared to respond if a natural disaster strikes Ecuador. Remember that the ash fall from volcanic activity can travel to areas far from the volcano itself. Ash fall poses health hazards (namely to the lungs and eyes), can lead to power cuts, contaminate water supplies, and reduce visibility and traction on roads. Be aware of these potential dangers in the event of volcanic activity, regardless of where you are in Ecuador.
Earthquakes/Tsunamis: All of Ecuador experiences earthquakes; knowing what to do and what not to do if an earthquake occurs is vital.
Ecuador's Geophysical Institute (http://www.igepn.edu.ec/sismos) offers maps of recent earthquakes in and near the country. A comprehensive booklet on how to protect yourself and your family from seismic activity is available on the website of the U.S. Geological Survey: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2007/41/index_english.html.
Be aware that tsunamis can occur as a result of seismic activity; knowing your evacuation routes from a tsunami evacuation zone should one occur is key. In the event of seismic activity while you are on the beach or near the ocean, immediately move away from the ocean and estuaries/rivers that lead to the ocean and seek higher ground.
El Niño: Forecasters have predicted a strong version of this weather phenomenon through the first half of 2016, with an unusually heavy volume of rainfall that has the potential to produce floods, landslides, and mudslides. These conditions can, in turn, disrupt transportation, utilities, emergency response, and medical care, as well as food, water, and fuel supplies. Water-borne and insect-borne diseases may also become a threat. Be sure to check local weather patterns wherever you live in Ecuador and before traveling far from home during this El Niño season. The International Center for Research on the El Niño Phenomenon also publishes frequent updates on its website: http://www.ciifen.org/
General Information: The webpage “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis?” (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies/crisis-support.html) contains information on the support that the U.S. Government provides and does not provide in the event of a crisis overseas.
For more general preparedness information, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/index.asp
Stay Informed: The Department of State strongly advises all U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Ecuador to register their presence with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ so that the Embassy and Consulate General have your information in the event of an emergency or disaster. Furthermore, it is imperative that you keep your passport valid for travel in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Passport application/renewal information is available at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov/passports.html (Quito) and at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov/passports.html (Guayaquil)
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