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5.4 Earthquake Shakes Ecuador’s Coast, No Damage Reported In Guayaquil

June 22, 2025, 2:27 am

A 5.4-magnitude quake hit close to Ecuador’s coast on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The earthquake happened at a depth of 44 kilometers (about 27 miles). There were tremors in Guayaquil, the largest city in the country.

No damage or injuries were reported immediately. Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Alvarez verified that critical city systems functioned normally and officials were carrying out inspections to safeguard citizens.

Although the earthquake created momentary anxiety among locals, local responders have not detected any significant problems to date. Watching will be done for possible aftershocks or building effects.

6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, Damages Homes

April 26, 2025, 12:10 am

A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit off Ecuador’s Pacific coast early on Friday, leading to widespread damage in the coastal city of Esmeraldas and surrounding areas. The quake hit at about 6:44 a.m. local time and was centered 13 miles northeast of Esmeraldas, at a depth of about 21.7 miles.

The Earthquake was experienced in at least 10 provinces, with the capital city, Quito, more than 180 miles away. The residents experienced the shaking for minutes, which resulted in panic and large-scale evacuation from homes and businesses.

Structural Damage and Power Outages

Initial surveys indicated that 60 houses had collapsed, with 30 other buildings two schools and two health centers partially damaged. Power disruptions were experienced throughout Esmeraldas, further hindering initial rescue operations and relief logistics.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced in response to the quake that emergency shelters were being established and humanitarian aid was being sent out to the afflicted regions. The regional authorities are coordinating with national authorities to offer instant support and achieve the security of the inhabitants.

Infrastructure Damage, Continued Risks Following Earthquake

For precautionary purposes, the SOTE pipeline and Esmeraldas refinery were halted temporarily for the inspection of infrastructure. Engineers are now inspecting any structural damage that could have occurred prior to resumption of services.

Shortly after the first quake, a second, smaller earthquake of magnitude 4.1 was reported in the Guayas province, heightening alarm among citizens. There has been no warning of a tsunami issued but officials are on alert for a possible threat of aftershocks.

Emergency responders are still performing damage assessments. They are actively working on restoring electricity. They are also distributing aid to the displaced population. Citizens are being encouraged to remain vigilant and heed official advice as the situation unfolds.

Gunmen Kills 12 in Deadly Attack at Ecuador Cockfighting Arena

April 20, 2025, 4:46 pm

A deadly assault was recorded on April 17, 2025, at a cockfighting pit in La Valencia, Manabí province in Ecuador. Fake military camouflage uniform-clad gunmen stormed the place and indiscriminately started firing at the attendees.

The outrageous act cost 12 people their lives, while a number of others were injured. Witnesses recorded the terrifying scenes on camera, as guests scrambled for cover as the assailants sprayed the crowd with automatic gunfire. The brutality of the attack left the countryside in a state of shock and grief.

Arrests, Evidence Recovered in Ecuador Gunmen Case

Following the attack, Ecuadorian officials initiated a comprehensive investigation. Ecuadorian authorities detained four people who were believed to be linked to the attack. Further arrests would follow as the investigation unfolds. Officers picked up a stash of weapons and military equipment during raids on the suspects’ homes, including rifles, pistols, shotguns, ballistic helmets, and tactical gloves.

Authorities assume that the assailants were members of a dangerous gang, “Los R7,” specialized in violent gang-related activity. One of the detainees is viewed as a key player in the organization.

Gang Violence and Drug Trafficking in Ecuador

Authorities believe warring criminal groups fighting for control of lucrative drug routes carried out the assault.

Ecuador has emerged as a hotbed for the international drug trade, with President Daniel Noboa disclosing that approximately 70% of the world’s cocaine flows through the country’s ports en route to the U.S. and Europe.

This has bred violent gang battles, with a sharp rise in murders. There were 781 murders alone in January 2025, most of which had ties to the illicit drug trade.

Government Response

In answer to increasing violence, the government of Ecuador issued a state of emergency on April 12, 2025. The state of emergency spans several provinces, among them Manabí, and applies to all prisons across the country. The government is hoping that this will be able to stem criminal activity and restore peace.

Nevertheless, the attack on La Valencia points out the difficulties that Ecuador has in addressing organized crime and making its citizens safe. It is a sad reminder of the rising insecurity in the nation amidst the growing strength of criminal gangs.

Ecuador On High Alert After Alleged Assassination Plot Against President Noboa Foiled

April 19, 2025, 4:28 pm

The government of Ecuador has issued a “maximum alert” state on Saturday after the reveal of a proposed assassination plot for newly re-elected President Daniel Noboa. It was announced as a response to a leaked intelligence report by the military, saying that Mexicans and other nationals came into Ecuador aiming to commit “terrorist acts” against the president.

The Ministry of Government made a stern announcement denouncing the reported plot. “We energetically condemn and repudiate any attempt against the life of the President of the Republic, state officials, or public servants,” the ministry announced, further reporting that the security forces of the country are placed on high alert.

No particular groups or individuals have been named, but security officials are convinced the attempted assassination was organized by criminal groups claimed to be operating in collaboration with political elements that lost the country’s recent election.

President Noboa, aged 37, won his most recent triumph in the April 13 runoff against opponent Luisa González. González, though, has accused “grotesque electoral fraud,” although these allegations have been downplayed by Ecuador’s electoral council and foreign observers. Importantly, Mexico and Colombia have still not officially acknowledged Noboa’s victory.

Noboa stepped into politics in 2021 as a National Assembly member, becoming the head of the Economic Development Commission. He previously held different leadership positions at his business house, Noboa Corp.

It was notorious for his tough approach to crime, Noboa initially became president in October 2023 following a snap election following the dissolution of the National Assembly by former President Guillermo Lasso. His second-term victory gives him a mandate to keep pushing his hardline anti-crime policies popular with many Ecuadorians, though contentious when it comes to legality and governance.

While the country prepares for possible unrest, the government’s quick reaction signals the delicate political climate and increasing security issues in Ecuador.

Trump And Ecuador’s Noboa To Discuss Security, Trade, And Military Ties In Florida

March 29, 2025, 9:51 pm

US President Donald Trump will host Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa in Florida on Saturday, a White House official confirmed. The encounter occurs just weeks ahead of Ecuador’s decisive April 13 runoff election, which Noboa is contesting against leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez.

Noboa, 37, was sworn in in 2023 following a snap election and promised to combat Ecuador’s mounting gang violence. His government has sent the military to fight organized crime, tightened up sentencing legislation, and asserted a 15% drop in violent deaths during the previous year.

Although the terms of the Trump-Noboa encounter are not disclosed, Ecuador has indicated interest in having a US military base and in signing a bilateral free trade agreement, as Colombia and Peru have. Noboa also declared a “strategic alliance” with Blackwater founder Erik Prince to battle crime and narcoterrorism in the nation.

Trump, who has made it a policy priority to combat fentanyl trafficking, has imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China to stem the flow of the synthetic opioid into the US Ecuador’s involvement is not clear in this initiative.

The session also comes during debate in Ecuador’s parliament to repeal a 2008 constitutional prohibition on foreign military bases. The US once had bases in Ecuador, such as one on the Galápagos Islands in World War II and another for anti-narcotics operations until 2009.

Noboa has been strong on immigration, saying that Ecuador will not take deported migrants of other nationalities but will continue to accept its own citizens. He has also condemned Venezuela’s temporary refusal to take deported Venezuelan nationals from the US.

With security and trade up for discussion, the result of the Trump-Noboa meeting may set the tone for US-Ecuador relations before Ecuador’s high-stakes election.

Ecuador’s Gang War Escalates: 22 Killed In Deadly Clashes In Guayaquil

March 8, 2025, 2:20 am

At least 22 individuals died in shootouts in Ecuador’s biggest city, Guayaquil, on Thursday, as two groups of the Los Tiguerones gang fought for control of their territory, police officials said. The deadly confrontation is the latest in Ecuador’s battle against organized crime.

The fatal shootout took place during President Daniel Noboa’s stepped-up crackdown on drug cartels and criminal organizations. Noboa, running for reelection in an April runoff, has given top priority to security operations in the nation’s most violent areas. Authorities reported that some of the victims had previous convictions for offenses such as drug trafficking, robbery, and weapons possession.

Ecuador today is beset by gang violence, estimated to involve some 20 drug-smuggling, extortion, and kidnapping criminal organizations. Strategically located between Colombia and Peru two of the world’s largest producers of cocaine, Ecuador is now a leading transit country for drugs. Foreign cartels from Mexico and the Balkans ally with indigenous gangs, worsening security issues.

Noboa last month sought foreign military intervention to counteract organized crime that has driven up homicides over the last four years. While the homicide rate dropped in Ecuador to 38.76 per 100,000 residents last year from 46.18 in 2023, violence was still well above the 2019 rate. Ecuador logged a record monthly homicide toll of 731 in just January alone.

Guayaquil, the province capital of Guayas, has been under two months of a state of emergency since the government increased its operations against gangs. Experts warn that gangs are growing stronger with growing financial capabilities and power. Ecuador has an uphill battle ahead as it fights against organized crime amid the ongoing crackdown.

Ecuador’s Cabinet Reshuffles, Appoints New Finance Minister Ahead Of High-Stakes Election

February 14, 2025, 2:57 am

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has named Luis Alberto Jaramillo the nation’s new finance minister and approved Ines Manzano as permanent energy and oil minister, presidential decrees released on Wednesday and Thursday state.

Jaramillo, former minister of production, will replace Carlos Zaldumbide in that position. The cabinet shake-up comes on the heels of a surprisingly good first-round result by leftist contender Luisa Gonzalez in Ecuador’s presidential election, which has primed the runoff in April as a close call.

The reshuffle occurs as Ecuador deals with economic troubles, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reporting in December that it had finalized the first review of its extended fund facility for Ecuador, opening the way for a $500 million disbursement.

Former finance minister Juan Carlos Vega, who held the position since November 2023, said he was quitting through social media. In a farewell post, Vega emphasized reinforcing government revenues as well as complying with debt during his time at the helm. Manzano, officially named as energy minister as of now, first took the position amidst system-wide scheduled power outages in October.

In the meantime, Noboa has beefed up security by sending the military to cities and prisons to counter increasing gang violence. His government is under increasing pressure in the run-up to the next election as Ecuador struggles with economic and security issues.

Ecuador Presidential Election: Noboa And Gonzalez Face Off Rematch Amid Crime Crisis

February 10, 2025, 1:30 am

Ecuadorians are going to vote on a highly contested presidential election, similar to the one in 2023, where the incumbent conservative candidate Daniel Noboa is running against leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez. Both candidates have pledged action against the country’s deteriorating crime crisis, one of the major reasons for voting.

Ecuador has experienced an increase in violence associated with drug trafficking from Colombia and Peru. Many citizens have personally been victimized by crime, so security is a very important issue in the election. Voting is mandatory, and long lines formed outside polling stations, including in Guayaquil, where residents braved the rain to cast their votes.

Marta Barres, 35, voter, said that Noboa’s leadership has not changed much. Crime and extortion are still rife. She believes Gonzalez can restore security and improve the economy. Keila Torres, a student, is undecided. She believes no one can stop crime because of the high level of corruption in government. Torres has survived several robbery attempts. She also said that gang members have intimidated her and other residents to vote for Gonzalez.

Noboa, 37, a businessman and heir to a banana empire, has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime leader. Under his tenure, Ecuador’s homicide rate dropped from 46.18 to 38.76 per 100,000 people, though it remains significantly higher than in 2019.

Gonzalez, 47, is a former lawmaker and protege of ex-president Rafael Correa, who was sentenced in absentia for corruption. She served in Correa’s administration and was relatively unknown until his party nominated her in 2023.

With 13.7 million eligible voters, a candidate must secure over 50% or at least 40% with a 10-point lead to win outright. If no clear winner emerges, a runoff will be held on April 13. The outcome will determine Ecuador’s approach to its deepening security and economic crises.

Ecuador’s Election Showdown: Will Noboa Secure Victory Or Face A Runoff Battle?

January 31, 2025, 2:29 am

Incumbent President Daniel Noboa is likely to win an absolute four-year term in Ecuador’s elections on February 9, though a runoff against leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez is still expected, according to multiple polls.

A repeat of the 2023 election could be in store, where Gonzalez led in the first round but ultimately lost to Noboa. Recent polling data suggests a tight race, with Noboa leading but struggling to secure an outright first-round victory.

A Jan. 25 survey by Comunicaliza, a pollster, showed Noboa capturing 47.1% of valid votes, excluding those blank or void, with Gonzalez trailing at 39.5%. According to the rules of the election in Ecuador, however, a candidate needs to win more than 50% of valid votes or obtain at least 40% while leaving his challenger at least 10 points behind to win the election in the first round.

An Ipsos poll, conducted between Jan. 20-24, projected Noboa securing a decisive first-round win with 50% of valid votes against Gonzalez’s 34.6%. The survey, which polled 2,000 people, had a 2.2% margin of error.

Noboa, 37, showed optimism and said he is the favorite, with his campaign distributing polls on social media and adding, “We are at the gates of a permanent removal of the mafias that have stolen our dreams and stopped Ecuador’s development.”

However, Negocios & Estrategias ran another poll, putting Gonzalez in the lead with 45% of the valid vote over Noboa, who received 40%, setting up a probable runoff.

Analysts have warned against putting too much faith in Ecuadorian polls, which have been proven to be untrustworthy over the past few years. According to Tellimer Insights, markets may be overestimating Noboa’s chances, but a runoff remains the most likely outcome.

Wildfire Sweeps Through Quito As Ecuador Battles Historic Drought Crisis

September 25, 2024, 5:56 pm

A wildfire engulfed parts of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, on Tuesday, filling the city with smoke and threatening homes in the Guapulo neighborhood. The fire, fueled by a historic drought, has stretched the country’s resources, prompting President Daniel Noboa to deploy the armed forces to help fight the blaze.

The fire broke out around midday in Guapulo, a bohemian area, and quickly spread to nearby homes and forested regions. Desperate residents, some in tears, worked alongside firefighters to try to extinguish the flames.

“We couldn’t save anything. We just arrived and didn’t know what to do,” said local resident Rosana Cepeda.

Though no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, Quito’s firefighting units are expected to battle the blaze through the night. Mayor Pabel Munoz noted that cooler nighttime temperatures should assist in controlling the fire.

Ecuador is currently facing its worst drought in over 60 years, severely impacting its hydroelectric power generation. Nationwide 12-hour power cuts were announced on Monday, though cuts scheduled for Tuesday in Quito were suspended by the city’s electric utility.

As the wildfire rages on, the country continues to grapple with both the fire and a growing energy crisis.

Ecuador declares state of emergency after five police officers slain

November 2, 2022, 10:06 am

El Telegrafo, a Spanish-language daily newspaper in Ecuador, reported that at least five police officers were killed in gang wars that wracked the coastal provinces of Guayas and Esmeraldas in Ecuador. As a result, President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency in the two provinces.

On Tuesday, Lasso declared a State of Exception in Guayas and Esmeraldas following the incident. The President referred to these actions as “sabotage and terrorism” during the press conference. According to El Telegrafo, he declared that “they are a declaration of war against the government and you, the citizenry.”

In addition to announcing a State of Exception, the President also said that he would personally oversee the Guayaquil-based Unified Command Post. El Telegrafo claimed that he also confirmed that the curfew would begin at 9:00 pm.

The deaths of Hugo Davila, Jimmy Sarango, and Marlon Iza were police officers, and their deaths in Duran and Guayaquil have been confirmed by the National Police of Ecuador. Five police officers were added to the death toll after their announcement.

“The murder of our companions #SgosHugoDavila, #CbosJimmySarango and #CbosMarlonIza, who were victims of criminal attacks, in #Duran and #GYE. Peace at the grave of our police heroes and strength to their families,” the National Police of Ecuador tweeted.

Taking to Twitter, the General Commander of the National Police of Ecuador said, “The criminal acts that mourn our country are inadmissible, we have apprehended several individuals who cowardly attacked the humanity of our POLICE OFFICERS We demand respect for life and honour the value and sacrifice of each police server.”

Regarding the investigation, National Police further tweeted, “We respond with determination by capturing the perpetrators of the latest attacks against police servers in the #Zona8 2 GUNS 3 pistols different calibre ammunition 2 vehicles and more clues.”