A majority of Ecuador's population lives in mountainous and coastal regions vulnerable to recurring natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, given its proximity to major fault lines, soil conditions that accelerate ground movement, and structural vulnerabilities due to informal construction practices. In addition, Ecuador hosts large numbers of migrants and refugees displaced by the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The ongoing population influx has strained the capacity of public services in Ecuador, as Venezuelans and host communities in Ecuador's border regions face urgent food, health, nutrition, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene needs.

On March 18, 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck southwestern Ecuador's Guayas Province, exacerbating humanitarian needs among households already affected by recent rainfall and severe floods. In response, U.S. Ambassador Michael J. Fitzpatrick issued a declaration of humanitarian need due to the joint effects of the earthquake and floods. USAID continues to fund early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience programs in Ecuador to increase national emergency preparedness and management through NGO and UN partners. Additionally, USAID supports the UN World Food Program (WFP) to help households meet their basic needs by providing emergency food assistance—including hot meals, food kits, and food vouchers—for the most vulnerable populations in 16 out of 24 Ecuadorian provinces, including the 10 provinces with the greatest number of Venezuelans