On August 29, the National Secretariat for Risk Management in Ecuador elevated the country to a red alert status due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. ^[1] Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg announced on September 2 that a faction of the organized crime group Los Choneros was dismantled in Babahoyo, Los Ríos province. ^[2] Babahoyo was submerged for 15 days in 2026, serving as a recent example of areas that continue to face repeated flooding despite previous interventions. ^[3] The red alert signifies that the climate event is currently underway, shifting the focus from anticipation to resisting the upcoming impacts. ^[4] While multipurpose projects in Bulubulu, Cañar, Naranjal, and Multipropósito have contained major floods in Guayas, El Oro, Cañar, and Manabí, other coastal zones remain vulnerable. ^[5] John Reimberg stated that six individuals presumed to be linked to the organization were apprehended in flagrante delicto and placed under judicial orders. ^[6] The National Police executed Operation Atlas-143-SZI-LR-B to dismantle the faction through raids on Avenida Universitaria and Juan Agnoleto. ^[7] The operation resulted in the confiscation of 683 rounds of ammunition of various calibers and six magazines. ^[8]