Natural Hazards on the Peninsula: Difference between revisions
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'''Natural hazards on the Santa Elena Peninsula''' are mostly seasonal and predictable. Most days are dry and calm; the things worth knowing about are heavy rain in El Niño years, the coast's tsunami zones, landslides on a few stretches of road, and dry-season fires inland. | '''Natural hazards on the Santa Elena Peninsula''' are mostly seasonal and predictable. Most days are dry and calm; the things worth knowing about are heavy rain in El Niño years, the coast's tsunami zones, landslides on a few stretches of road, and dry-season fires inland. | ||
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== Earthquakes == | == Earthquakes == | ||
Like all of coastal Ecuador, the peninsula is in a high seismic zone. Follow the usual advice: know a safe spot in each room, and keep water and a torch at home. | Like all of coastal Ecuador, the peninsula is in a high seismic zone. Follow the usual advice: know a safe spot in each room, and keep water and a torch at home. | ||
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== Landslides and cliffs == | == Landslides and cliffs == | ||
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''Sources: PDOT Salinas 2023–2027 (pp. 90–99, 181–185); PDOT cantón Santa Elena 2023–2027 (pp. 58–66); PDOT La Libertad 2014–2019 (pp. 41, 175) and 2024–2030 (pp. 69–71, 320–332); PDOT Provincia de Santa Elena 2019–2023 (pp. 56–66).'' | ''Sources: PDOT Salinas 2023–2027 (pp. 90–99, 181–185); PDOT cantón Santa Elena 2023–2027 (pp. 58–66); PDOT La Libertad 2014–2019 (pp. 41, 175) and 2024–2030 (pp. 69–71, 320–332); PDOT Provincia de Santa Elena 2019–2023 (pp. 56–66).'' | ||
{{EW explore|Security and Safety on the Peninsula|Buses Along the Ruta del Spondylus|La Libertad|Places to visit|Salinas|Montañita}} | |||
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[[Category:La Peninsula]] | [[Category:La Peninsula]] | ||
[[Category:Santa Elena Province]] | [[Category:Santa Elena Province]] | ||
[[Category:Safety]] | [[Category:Safety]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:17, 22 October 2026
Natural hazards on the Santa Elena Peninsula are mostly seasonal and predictable. Most days are dry and calm; the things worth knowing about are heavy rain in El Niño years, the coast's tsunami zones, landslides on a few stretches of road, and dry-season fires inland.
Rain and flooding
Almost all the year's rain falls between January and April. In normal years that is welcome; in strong El Niño years (1982–83 and 1997–98 were the worst in living memory) it can flood low streets and dry ravines (quebradas) for a day or more. Storm drains are limited, so water drains slowly in places such as central Salinas, Mar Bravo and the low barrios of La Libertad.
- Avoid crossing flooded streets and dry riverbeds after heavy rain.
- Beach water quality can drop for a few days after the first big storm of the season.
Tsunami
The low-lying coast — including the Salinas malecón, Mar Bravo and La Libertad's seafront — lies inside the tsunami inundation zones mapped by the Navy's oceanographic institute (INOCAR). An evacuation map with safe areas and meeting points has been prepared for Salinas with Japanese cooperation (JICA).
- If you feel a long, strong earthquake near the coast, or hear an official alert, move inland and uphill straight away.
- Learn the evacuation route signs near where you stay.
Earthquakes
Like all of coastal Ecuador, the peninsula is in a high seismic zone. Follow the usual advice: know a safe spot in each room, and keep water and a torch at home.
Landslides and cliffs
- On the Ruta del Spondylus, the stretches near La Rinconada and La Entrada have been blocked by landslides in heavy rain (2013, 2017, 2022).
- Some cliffs are unstable — for example around Anconcito, Punta Carnero and parts of Ballenita and Chanduy. Keep back from cliff edges.
Forest fires
From July to December the inland dry forest burns easily, especially around Julio Moreno, Chanduy, El Tambo, El AzĂşcar and Atahualpa. In 2023 about 1,100 ha burned in Santa Elena canton. Never leave a fire unattended, and report smoke to 911.
Heat and drought
The peninsula is dry, and droughts are part of its history. Sun protection and water matter more than temperature — see Sun and Heat on the Peninsula.
See also
Sources: PDOT Salinas 2023–2027 (pp. 90–99, 181–185); PDOT cantón Santa Elena 2023–2027 (pp. 58–66); PDOT La Libertad 2014–2019 (pp. 41, 175) and 2024–2030 (pp. 69–71, 320–332); PDOT Provincia de Santa Elena 2019–2023 (pp. 56–66).