Galapagos Islands. Photo: Shutterstock Heaavy rainfall has caused flooding on Santa Cruz Island in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, prompting local authorities to declare an emergency on October 31. The flooding has led to road closures, power outages and disruptions to journeys to Baltra Airport, raising concerns for tourists traveling through the archipelago.
According to a travel advisory published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the situation has affected transport and infrastructure on Santa Cruz, one of the main islands visited by tourists in the Galapagos.
Authorities are advising visitors to follow local instructions, stay away from flooded areas and check their travel arrangements directly with airlines and tour operators before heading to the airport.
The local government has also asked tourists currently on Santa Cruz to complete an assistance form, available in Spanish, indicating whether they require urgent help and providing details of their travel plans.
The information is intended to help local authorities identify visitors who may need assistance and coordinate their movements amid the disruption.
The flooding alert comes against the backdrop of a separate state of emergency declared by the Ecuadorian government on September 15 for security reasons.
The 60-day measure covers eight provinces: Guayas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
It also includes three additional cantons: La Maná in Cotopaxi province, Las Naves in Bolívar province and Camilo Ponce Enríquez in Azuay province.
The security measures provide for an increased police and military presence. Curfews from midnight to 5:00 a.m. were also introduced between September 17 and 30 in Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Manabí.
The security-related emergency is separate from the flooding situation on Santa Cruz Island. Travelers in Ecuador are advised to monitor local media and follow instructions from authorities.