The Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned travellers to the Galapagos Islands about flooding on Santa Cruz, the archipelago’s main tourism hub.
Local authorities declared an emergency on 31 October after heavy rain caused road closures, power outages and disruption to journeys to Baltra Airport.
Santa Cruz is a key base for visitors to the islands, with the main road running from the airport ferry crossing at Itabaca Canal in the north, through the island’s highlands, to Puerto Ayora in the south.
Local authorities are asking tourists on Santa Cruz to complete an online form to indicate whether they need urgent assistance and provide details of their travel plans.
The FCDO has advised travellers to follow instructions from local authorities and avoid flooded areas.
A statement on its website said: “Heavy rains have caused flooding on Santa Cruz Island, prompting Gobierno Galapagos to declare an emergency on 31 October. Road closures, power outages, and disruptions to travel to Baltra Airport have been reported.
“You should follow the instructions of the local authorities, avoid flooded areas, and confirm travel arrangements with airlines or tour operators.
“Local authorities encourage tourists on Santa Cruz Island to complete the form (available only in Spanish) indicating whether they need urgent assistance and what their travel plans are.”
The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) said the full extent of the damage still being assessed and operators and authorities were coordinating to ensure visitor safety and maintain services where possible.
LATA added: “Severe rainfall on 31 October caused significant flooding in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos archipelago, affecting local infrastructure, homes, and businesses.
“Hotels, transportation providers, guides, and other tourism services involved in our operations continue to operate.
“The Galápagos National Park has temporarily restricted access to six visitor sites on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal as a precautionary measure while safety conditions are assessed.
“Some roads on Santa Cruz have been affected, with controlled access in certain areas and ongoing monitoring of conditions.
“Tropic Ecuador confirms that all its travellers currently on the ground have been accounted for and are safe. Its local team members and their families are also safe, although some have suffered considerable material losses.
“Tourism activities across the archipelago continue, although temporary itinerary adjustments may be necessary in affected areas.
“Travellers and tour operators with upcoming departures are encouraged to remain in close contact with their local destination management companies for the latest operational information and any necessary adjustments.”
