Portoviejo in April 2025: Navigating the Lingering Effects of a Severe Rainy Season
As we move through April 2025 here in Portoviejo, Manabí, the tail end of the rainy season is upon us. Typically, while the peak of the rains in Manabí occurs in February and March, April can still bring significant precipitation, as noted by nomadseason.com. However, this year has been far from typical.
Ecuador, and particularly our province of Manabí, along with Los Ríos and Guayas, experienced an exceptionally severe rainy season in 2025, as reported by ReliefWeb. The sheer volume and frequency of rainfall led to widespread flooding and other significant impacts across the region. The National Secretariat for Risk Management rightly declared a state of emergency in response to the scale of these events.
Here in Manabí, the consequences have been deeply felt. The flooding we've witnessed in areas like Calderón
and even parts of downtown Portoviejo, as mentioned in my previous post, is a direct result of this intense rainy season. The numbers speak for themselves: a large number of individuals have been affected, many have been displaced from their homes, and we've seen significant damage to homes and vital infrastructure. Tragically, the agricultural sector has also suffered substantial crop and animal losses.
While nomadseason.com indicates a general decline in rainfall in April compared to February (around 200 mm) and March (around 227 mm), the cumulative effect of the preceding months, coupled with any further April showers, has left many areas still vulnerable. The saturated ground and swollen rivers take time to recede, and the recovery process is ongoing.
The images shared within our community of flooded streets and submerged homes in Calderón, Santa Ana and downtown Portoviejo are a stark reminder of the power of nature and the challenges we face. The severe flooding in 2025 has undoubtedly made this rainy season a particularly arduous one for the residents and businesses of Manabí.
Despite the hardships, the spirit of "Manabí power" – the resilience and determination of our people – shines through. We continue to support each other, working together to overcome these challenges. The focus remains on recovery, rebuilding, and finding ways to mitigate the impact of future severe weather events. Life in Portoviejo in April 2025 is a testament to our community's strength in the face of adversity, even as we navigate the lingering effects of an exceptionally wet and challenging rainy season.
