Record rainfall inundates Ecuador

Heavy rains attributed to the El Nio phenomenon continue to batter Ecuador. According to the country's National Meteorological Institute, precipitation increased 1,000 per cent above normal over the past few weeks. Some predict that conditions will worsen as the rainy season starts in the coastal regions. Since October of last year, 75 people have
died and 13,500 have been evacuated. More than 4,000 houses have been damaged. UNDP has assisted the government in establishing an El Nio Emergency Plan Coordination Unit, and is helping to coordinate international relief.