The quality of the coffee crop is also affected, as well as the condition of pastures. Some provinces are reporting a decrease in milk production. Ecuador Intensive rainfall is reported all along the Equatorian coast, from Esmeraldas in the north to the province of Guayas in the south. Some areas have also been affected by high tides. A state of emergency has been declared in some areas and international assistance is being provided.
Localized damage is reported to sugar plantations and the important banana crop.
Planting of the 1998 maize crop, the main cereal, which is currently underway, has been so far spared any major damage. Some localized flooding of paddy crops is reported. This includes technical advice to farmers on fieldwork protective measures and the use of alternative crops, public works such as the cleaning of canals and country roads, the strengthening of bridges, and the repair of the sewage system in some municipalities. Information has been disseminated on preventive health and sanitary measures all over the country. The Government continues to be actively engaged in the programme of preventive and emergency measures at national, regional and local levels, in anticipation of a worse impact in the next months as indicated in latest weather forecasts.