Living in Tena

A temporary access on the E45 Troncal Amazónica between the new and old bridges over the Upano River is scheduled to close permanently on July 17. Machinery and vehicles in the area must be removed by July 16.

A severe flooding emergency in Zamora Chinchipe left five people dead, trapped residents on roofs and river islets, and disrupted the Loja-Zamora route. Rescue teams reported 38 civilians and 10 firefighters brought to safety.

Regressive erosion on the Coca River has damaged key infrastructure for more than six years, with estimated losses between $4.7 billion and $5.5 billion through May 2026. The risk matters nationally because Coca Codo Sinclair supplies about 25% of Ecuador's average electricity demand.

Primicias reports a magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred at 06:58 on May 28 with an epicenter 54 kilometers from Yantzaza, Zamora Chinchipe. Authorities had not reported damage after the morning quake.

President Daniel Noboa announced a $460 million plan to protect the Ecuadorian Amazon over 17 years through the Biocorredor Amazonico, with funding aimed at protected areas, ranger capacity, biodiversity monitoring, control systems and sustainable tourism.

A new Human Rights Watch report accuses the Ecuadorian government of continuing oil extraction in Yasuní National Park despite a 2023 referendum and Constitutional Court order to stop. The case raises serious questions about the rule of law in Ecuador.