This type of rainfall, and the damage it can cause, should not come as a surprise, considering scientists have been issuing warnings about this for many years. Climate change and El NinoNiño are the primary catalysts for heat intensification, resulting in sea warming and a subsequent increase in land precipitation. These changes will likely contribute to a higher occurrence of natural disasters, so nations and local authorities must take measures to prepare for them and battle climate change.

Washington Post

Climate change may exacerbate the situation, but Ecuador's location along the Andean mountain range — prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes — renders it susceptible to landslides, and it's especially vulnerable to flooding and landslides due to unplanned rapid urbanization,. To ensure that city expansions are safe, the government must take control of city planning.