Ecuador Faces Emergency as Internet and Mobile Services Last Only 3 Hours During 8-Hour Power Outage

Limits of Hydropower Amid Worst Drought, Emergency Measures Enforced
8-Hour Daily Blackouts, Internet and Mobile Phones Limited to 3 Hours
Curfew Imposed During Power Outages...Concerns Over Security Gaps

On September 18 (local time), armed soldiers patrol the darkened streets of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, following a nationwide nighttime blackout. [Quito EPA·EFE=Yonhap News]

South American country Ecuador, which relies heavily on hydropower, has entered a state of emergency due to the worst drought, raising concerns about large-scale power outages. Nighttime blackouts are standard, and communication and internet services are available only for a few hours a day. With fears of a security vacuum, authorities have even advised people to stay at home.

According to the Korean Embassy in Ecuador on the 24th, as there has been no rain in recent weeks and concerns about large-scale power outages are growing, the Ecuadorian government has been implementing nighttime blackouts from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day on September 18 and from September 23 to 26 to maintain a stable power system. The blackout duration can be up to 8 hours, and in some areas, it exceeds 15 hours. During blackout hours, curfews are also enforced. The Ecuadorian government has announced curfews in certain areas by presidential decree, and curfews were imposed during blackout hours on September 18 and 19. The affected areas include six provinces and one canton under a state of emergency for security. The Korean Embassy stated, "Whether curfews will be applied during next week's blackout hours has not yet been officially announced, but the police mentioned that the same measures will likely be enforced during next week's blackout hours."

Major public services are also difficult to use during blackout hours. According to the Ecuadorian Telecommunications Operators Association, mobile communication and internet services can be maintained for about three hours during blackouts, after which services may be interrupted. The duration of service availability may vary depending on the number of users. Fixed internet services used at homes or offices are only available when electricity is supplied, so they can be used only if power is provided through generators or batteries. It is advisable to fully charge mobile phone batteries before the blackout is announced.

All 22 airports nationwide, including Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca airports, are operating normally through self-generation systems. Emergency rooms are connected to substations and have taken measures to operate 24 hours during blackout hours, ensuring normal emergency medical services. Metrovia and Aerovia services may be limited during blackout hours. It is recommended to avoid using these services during blackout periods if possible. The police have deployed 46,000 officers nationwide during blackout hours to maintain security, focusing on high-crime areas. They have deployed 5,502 vehicles (patrol cars and motorcycles), 55 Citizen Safety Response Teams (UMAC), and 49 buses.

The Ecuadorian military and police recommend citizens during blackout hours to ▲stay at home ▲charge mobile phones in advance ▲prepare flashlights, batteries, candles, and matches ▲disconnect electrical devices five minutes before the scheduled blackout ▲avoid reconnecting electronic devices immediately after power restoration and wait 10-15 minutes before reconnecting ▲keep remote controls handy if vehicles have alarm systems to use them anytime ▲inspect homes once power is fully restored or visibility is secured. Regarding the Quito Police Chief’s advice to use whistles as an improvised measure if alarms do not work during blackouts, the Police Chief later corrected that whistle use is not an official police recommendation and assured that safety will be secured through increased police deployment and patrols.

The Korean Embassy stated, "Since blackout hours coincide with usual high-crime periods and the absence of electricity raises serious concerns about a surge in crimes during these times, we urge our compatriots residing and staying in Ecuador to refrain from going out after blackout hours and to be especially cautious to avoid personal danger and crime victimization." They added, "If you suffer any harm or hear of incidents, please immediately contact ECU 911, the embassy, or the consular call center for assistance."

Since establishing diplomatic relations with Korea in 1962, about 600 Koreans currently live in Ecuador. According to KOTRA, as of 2023, four companies?Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hansol EME, and Geonhwa?have entered the Ecuadorian market.