Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs meets several officials on sidelines of 81st UNGA session

On Thursday, Israel's Foreign Ministry encouraged its citizens residing in Ecuador to be more cautious amid a nationwide red alert issued by the South American nation due to the impending El Niño weather phenomenon. The alert was declared on August 29 by Ecuador's National Secretariat for Risk Management, prompting provincial and local emergency committees to bolster their preparations and response measures.

Although the authorities emphasized that the alert does not guarantee severe rainfall in every region, El Niño, a climate event caused by unusually warm surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, can lead to drastic shifts in rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns across affected areas. In Ecuador, the phenomenon could trigger heavy rain, flooding, rising river levels, and landslides in certain locales while other parts may experience unseasonably dry and hot weather.

The Foreign Ministry cautioned Israelis in Ecuador to adhere to local authorities' instructions and refrain from traveling to areas prone to flooding, landslides, or strong water currents. Travelers were explicitly warned against crossing rivers, streams, or flooded roads, even when the water seems shallow. Meanwhile, governments and emergency agencies are gearing up for the broader consequences of a strengthening El Niño weather pattern, which has been linked to heightened risks of extreme rainfall and flooding in certain parts of the Americas, along with hotter and drier conditions in other regions.

Earlier this month, Israeli authorities also organized drills to prepare for the potential impacts of a particularly intense El Niño event, including situations involving floods, strong winds, disruptions to infrastructure, and interruptions to electricity and water supplies. The World Meteorological Organization cautioned that strong El Niño conditions could escalate the risk of extreme weather worldwide. Climate models suggest that significant effects may be observed during the second half of 2026 and into 2027.

In an emergency, Israelis in Ecuador can reach out to local emergency services by dialing 911. The Israeli Embassy in Quito's emergency line is *+593-2-397-1500*, which is also listed as the embassy's emergency contact. Additionally, Israelis can contact the Foreign Ministry Situation Center at *02-530-3155* or by fax at *02-530-3896*. The ministry previously included these contact numbers in its guidance for Israelis in Ecuador.