As I write these lines, I think that we are already at the end of June, halfway through the year. And it’s sad to say that, between worries about the political situation and consternation about internal security, we’ve sidelined an issue that should have been on the front page for months: the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon.

Without intending to be a fatalist, I must admit that I never cease to be amazed by the great confidence – and even contempt – that people show in the face of such a great power, which surpasses human abilities, as the power of nature. Even in Hollywood movies, nature and its forces are mentioned as a recurring theme to create gruesome stories that wipe out entire populations, create scarcity, anxiety and destruction, through floods, frosts, hurricanes and droughts. It is also true that because of our location on the globe, Ecuadorians have been blessed with the arrival of several of these natural phenomena that affect the northern hemisphere; and, perhaps for this reason, we attach little importance to these warnings.

Municipalities receive maps with areas subject to the El Niño phenomenon

We have to honestly admit that we feel it is very far from our reality, very similar to a movie blockbuster; And, with so many problems to worry about, we think it’s unlikely that such a thing will ever visit us. So we take it for granted that we will see any natural fury on the screen rather than in the backyard.

I would like to think that precisely because of this, and not because of other reasons, at this moment, and despite the fact that we have known this since last year, there are still no clear criteria for how we as a country will face the arrival of this storm.

Private banks will finance $200 million from the action plan to combat the El Niño phenomenon in Ecuador

I admit that I was worried about this analysis, I tried to look on some official sites for specific actions proposed or taken by organizations in charge of dealing with a possible crisis, but I was deeply disappointed to find lyrical statements and few guidelines that allow the community to know where to go in case of danger. Nor have I seen many concrete proposals from presidential candidates.

I sincerely hope this is a lack of ability on my part to find this information; or lack of proper promotion by the authorities.

We hope… to prevent us all from entering a cycle of unhappiness, the product of a lack of planning.

But as far as I can tell, I hope I’m wrong, all the actions have basically been reactive and generated by those who feel in one way or another that their interests will be affected by any off-season rains.

Nevertheless, we are already beginning to see examples of general affect, such as the fact that some towns in Guayas and Esmeraldas are under water; in the Sierra, roads are closed due to landslides; Basic products like onions and rice are starting to grow in the markets.

Since nature makes the rules, we should all think twice if we thought we were only going to see the disaster from our screen.

We hope that despite the distractions of the election season and other topics of national debate, we can give attention to our brothers who are already suffering; and prevent us all from entering the cycle of unhappiness, the product of a lack of planning. (OR)