AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather: El Niño-linked downpours flooded parts of Ecuador, with about 50 areas of Guayaquil inundated and schools suspended in affected areas. Since the nationwide red alert began in August, rains have killed three people and affected more than 23,000. Food and Farming: Heifer International says it will help 16,000 farming families in Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras prepare for droughts and floods by protecting water, crops, livestock and transport. Power Supply: Ecuador has extended industrial blackouts as falling hydropower output and reduced electricity transfers from Colombia add pressure to the grid; Mazar reservoir levels are also shrinking. Guayaquil Tragedy: Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, 53, died after a heavy crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass on Oct. 17. The cause of the accident remains unclear. Aquaculture: Ecuadorian shrimp producer Santa Priscila and INVE Aquaculture have partnered to supply Artemia paste to local hatcheries, aiming to offer a convenient, biosecure feeding option. Loss in Colombia: Ecuadorian conjoined twin influencers José Luis and José Armando Cevallos died at 27 while in Colombia for rehabilitation. The exact medical cause has not been confirmed.

Power Crisis: Falling water levels at the Mazar reservoir are putting pressure on Ecuador’s hydroelectric system, prompting industrial demand cuts as officials conserve water and electricity imports from Colombia dwindle. Rising Costs: Cuenca shoppers and small businesses are paying more for staples: a tray of eggs rose from $3.10 to $4.50, while a quintal of rice climbed from $49 to over $61. Guayaquil Tragedy: Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari was killed when a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass on Oct. 17. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death; the cause of the crucifix’s fall is unclear. Health Care: IESS allocated about $2.05 million for medicines and medical equipment at Cuenca’s José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital in August and September, including cancer treatments and drugs for hemophilia. Security: A global risk assessment raised Ecuador from medium to high risk, citing gang violence, extortion, cocaine trafficking and illegal mining.

Guayaquil Tragedy: Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass. The archdiocese confirmed his death; the cause of the fall remains unclear. Ancient Ecuador: Researchers reconstructed the face of a man who lived more than 3,000 years ago, using a skull found near Punín in Chimborazo province. Natural Hazards: A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Ecuador’s coast. Earlier in the week, floods left one person dead and thousands homeless. Crime and Security: Ecuador plans a 10-day curfew in coastal provinces starting November 1, after reporting a 40% drop in crime. Authorities also arrested four FARC dissident leaders near the border. Power Supply: The government says it is preparing the electricity system for El Niño, as low water levels have cut hydroelectric output and blackouts hit several provinces. Diesel shortages are also affecting businesses. Cycling: Ecuadorian Olympic champion Richard Carapaz has signed with NSN through 2029 after leaving EF Education-EasyPost.

Guayaquil Tragedy: Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass on Saturday. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death; the cause of the fixture’s collapse remains unclear. Flood Emergency: Floods swept across Ecuador on Sunday, killing one person and affecting about 22,000, with homes and roads damaged and rescue efforts underway. Amazon Protection: Indigenous leaders from Ecuador and neighboring countries are heading to a UN conference in Vienna to press for action against criminal networks driving illegal mining, drug trafficking and deforestation. Earthquake: A 5.2-magnitude quake struck off Ecuador’s coast, according to GFZ. Cycling: Olympic champion Richard Carapaz will join NSN Cycling on a three-year deal starting in 2027.

Guayaquil Tragedy: Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died Saturday after a large cross fell on him during a livestreamed Mass. The archdiocese confirmed his death. Security: Ecuador arrested four FARC dissident leaders near the Colombian border. The government also plans a 10-day coastal curfew starting Nov. 1, after reporting a 40% drop in crime. Energy Pressure: Low water has cut hydroelectric output and triggered blackouts in Quito, Guayaquil and other areas. Colombia has resumed electricity exports as Ecuador works to strengthen its grid ahead of El Niño. Earthquake: A magnitude 5.2 quake struck off Ecuador’s coast. Legal Aid: Ecuador secured $31.9 million to bring free legal support closer to vulnerable communities.

Offshore Quake: A magnitude-5.2 earthquake struck off Ecuador’s coast; reports gave no details of damage or injuries. Legal Aid: Ecuador secured $31.9 million in Inter-American Development Bank financing to expand free legal services, with about 2.3 million people expected to benefit. Power Supply: Colombia has resumed electricity exports to Ecuador as low water levels strain hydroelectric generation. Former energy officials say shelved renewable projects and years of underinvestment worsened the crisis. Border Security: Ecuador arrested four suspected FARC dissident leaders near the Colombian border. Separately, the government plans a 10-day coastal curfew after reporting a 40% drop in crime. Cycling: Olympic champion Richard Carapaz will leave EF Education-EasyPost and join NSN Cycling in 2027 on a three-year deal.

Earthquake: A magnitude-5.2 quake struck off Ecuador’s coast, according to Germany’s GFZ; no damage reports were included. Security: Ecuador arrested four FARC dissident commanders accused of involvement in killings, drug trafficking and other crimes. The government also plans a 10-day curfew in coastal provinces from Nov. 1 to curb crime. Power Supply: Colombia has resumed electricity exports to Ecuador, easing pressure on a system strained by drought and low hydropower levels. Legal Aid: A $31.9 million Inter-American Development Bank package will expand and improve free legal services, with about 2.3 million people expected to benefit. Cycling: Olympic champion Richard Carapaz will leave EF Education-EasyPost to join NSN Cycling Team on a three-year deal starting in 2027.

Border Security: Ecuador arrested four leaders of a FARC dissident faction in a border-area anti-drug operation. They are accused of involvement in killings and trafficking. U.S. Anti-Drug Campaign: U.S. forces have detained 160 crew members in eight sea operations near Ecuador before destroying their fishing boats. Many detainees were released or acquitted; a judge ruled nine fishermen’s detention illegal. Crime & Power: Ecuador plans a 10-day curfew in coastal provinces from Nov. 1 as it confronts violence. Low reservoir levels are also squeezing hydroelectric output; Colombia has resumed electricity sales, though supplies may be limited. Amazon & Galápagos: Indigenous groups are opposing a planned new Amazon oil auction, while conservationists warn that El Niño may worsen pressure on Galápagos iguanas amid rising trafficking. Cycling: Ecuadorian star Richard Carapaz is leaving EF Education-EasyPost early to join NSN Cycling in 2027. Quito Concert: Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson sang “The Trooper” from offstage after flare smoke spread through the venue.

Security: Ecuador plans a 10-day curfew in coastal provinces from Nov. 1 as the government confronts organized crime. Peru and Ecuador are also stepping up joint operations and intelligence-sharing against illegal mining and logging along their border. Power Crisis: Authorities are preparing the electricity system for El Niño, but low water levels have already triggered blackouts in Quito, Guayaquil and other areas. Shrimp producers warn that power costs and mandatory outages threaten operations. Climate and Wildlife: Flooding has damaged thousands of homes across three provinces, while expanding Pacific heat raises fresh concern for the Galápagos, where illegal iguana trafficking is adding pressure on vulnerable wildlife. Public Dissent: Thousands of young people protested in Quito; meanwhile, the government has demanded the University of Cuenca dismiss a professor who joined an anti-Noboa demonstration. Media: Expreso is ending its print edition after 53 years, amid allegations of government pressure.

Child Safety: An Interpol-led crackdown across 17 countries arrested 95 suspects; investigators in Ecuador found more than 4,000 files of child sexual abuse material on a suspect’s devices. Crime and Security: Ecuador plans a 10-day curfew in coastal provinces from Nov. 1 as authorities continue efforts to curb violence. Power Supply: President Daniel Noboa says the government is adding more than 400 megawatts of generation capacity ahead of El Niño, while electricity disruptions have risen to as many as 60–70 a day. Recent blackouts and steep power cuts for industry have added pressure on businesses. Galápagos Wildlife: Researchers warn that rising illegal iguana trafficking and a powerful El Niño could worsen risks to marine iguanas, already vulnerable to food shortages and mass mortality. Flooding: El Niño-related rains have damaged thousands of homes across three provinces, with flooding also reported near Cuenca.

Power Supply: President Daniel Noboa says Ecuador will add generation capacity ahead of El Niño’s peak months, but outages are already rising and large industries face up to 72 hours of weekly power cuts. Security: Noboa announced a new curfew in coastal provinces from Nov. 1–10 to fight organized crime; the government has not yet named the provinces or set curfew hours. Mining Pressure: Canadian briefing notes show Ottawa urged Ecuador to speed up permits for Canadian mining projects, even as Indigenous protesters opposed some projects and courts had struck down an earlier effort to accelerate environmental consultations. Shrimp Exports: Ecuador’s aquaculture chamber and industry partners have teamed with Spain’s Basque Culinary Center to study how chefs use Ecuadorian shrimp and promote its quality and sustainability. Healthcare: Italy’s Dedalus has begun a seven-year, $117 million project to digitize Ecuador’s public healthcare system.

Power and Industry: Low reservoir levels forced unscheduled blackouts in Quito, Guayaquil and areas near Cuenca, while shrimp producers warn that sharply higher electricity tariffs threaten jobs and the sector’s ability to compete. Health Care: Ecuador has awarded a $117 million contract to Italy’s Dedalus and state telecom firm CNT to digitize the health system over seven years. Flooding: Heavy rains have damaged thousands of homes across three provinces, with flooding also reported in Molleturo near Cuenca. Protests and Security: Young people have demonstrated in Quito against President Daniel Noboa’s administration as Ecuador faces pressure over insecurity and government demands that the University of Cuenca dismiss a professor who joined an anti-government protest.

Mining: Titan Minerals reported broad near-surface gold, silver and copper finds at its Dynasty project, including 184.4 metres grading 0.8 grams of gold per tonne; it plans a resource estimate update in early 2027. Retiree Visas: Ecuador’s 2026 pension-income minimum is $1,446 a month, based on three times the basic wage; each dependent adds $250. Protests & Security: Thousands protested President Daniel Noboa’s government in Quito on October 10 over security, energy, health and jobs. Police dispersed the march, and journalists were reportedly beaten. Authorities are also shifting pressure on Los Choneros toward the group’s logistics networks. Energy & Flooding: Drought-driven shortages have led to up to 72 hours of weekly industrial power rationing, while floods damaged thousands of homes across three provinces. Environment: A court halted road works in Cotopaxi to protect the endangered jambato harlequin toad’s habitat; residents are also seeking talks after an oil spill in the Cupa River. Press Freedom: Expreso has ended its print edition after 53 years, amid allegations of government pressure.

Protests and Public Services: Thousands of young people protested President Daniel Noboa’s government in Quito, citing insecurity, health care, jobs and cuts to education. Police dispersed the October 10 march; reports said officers also beat journalists. Power and Flooding: Drought-driven electricity rationing has reached 72 hours a week, while flooding has damaged thousands of homes across three provinces, including in Molleturo near Cuenca. Environmental Risks: An oil spill was reported in the Cupa River, where residents are seeking dialogue with authorities. Security and Justice: A reported seizure of more than 42 tonnes of cocaine exposed a trafficking network stretching from Ecuador to the United Arab Emirates. Separately, a judge acquitted 32 crew members whose boats were destroyed by the U.S. military. Press Freedom: Newspaper Expreso has ended its print edition after 53 years, amid allegations of government pressure.

Public Accountability: Ecuador’s government filed three peculado complaints over Cuenca municipal hospital contracts, while a separate fight over reorganized corruption courts has sent judges to the Constitutional Court as hundreds of cases are reassigned. Cuenca Flooding: Rising rivers in Molleturo damaged at least 14 homes, swept away a building and forced families to evacuate; no deaths were reported. Security Measures: New rules require stronger identity checks, including biometric verification, for activating or replacing SIM cards as authorities target extortion and fraud. Power and Business: Industrial users face scheduled electricity cuts of up to 72 hours a week amid drought-driven shortages, drawing business opposition. Organized Crime: A major cocaine seizure exceeding 42 tons has exposed a trafficking network stretching from Ecuador to the UAE; separately, alleged Tiguerones leader “Willy” is living in Spain despite being pursued by Ecuador. Amazon Communities: Indigenous groups reject plans to open oil blocks on their territories without consultation, citing pollution and damage from decades of extraction elsewhere in the Amazon. Press Freedom: Expreso has ended its print edition after 53 years, amid allegations of government pressure.

Amazon Oil Frontier: Indigenous communities reject plans to open oil blocks across seven peoples’ territories without consultation, warning that decades of pollution in the northern Amazon show the cost of extraction. Power Crisis: Drought-driven shortages have led to industrial electricity rationing of up to 72 hours a week, as businesses resist extended outages. Media Freedom: Expreso has ended its print edition after 53 years, amid allegations of government pressure. Drug Trafficking: A seizure of more than 42 tons of cocaine has exposed a trafficking network stretching from Ecuador to the UAE. Football: Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié faces a spell out after injuring his ankle during Arsenal’s post-match training.