Quito alert for “extremely high” radiation levels

Ecuador's National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology warned that Quito, the country's capital, will have levels of ultraviolet radiation considered to be “extremely high.” According to experts, radiation will be higher in the mornings.

Quito is a city located on the slopes of the Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level. The equatorial line passes over it and is considered half the world. Due to its geographical location, the Ecuadorian capital has approximately 3 kilometers less atmosphere compared to other cities located at sea level. For this reason, the atmosphere above Quito absorbs less radiation. Some studies indicate that Quito receives 30% more ultraviolet rays compared to the rays that fall on a beach.

In addition, in 2009, the then Ecuadorian Civil Space Agency warned that in the equatorial zone the ozone layer had weakened, showing a decrease in its density, contributing to excessive levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

The forecasting analyst of the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Javier Macas, explained that, in the following days, “radiation will be something that will be very predominant in the mornings in the capital, the temperature may be ranging from 23, 24 and up to 25 degrees Celsius in certain areas of the city”, according to picked up The Universe.

Despite the warning about radiation, the Institute has also foreseen that in the afternoon there will be rains in the center and south of the city. Macas suggests that citizens avoid prolonged exposure to the sun's rays, but if they must do so, he asks that they wear caps, hats and sunscreen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Such rays are emitted by the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps.

The CDC recommends that, in the face of high radiation rates, people stay in the shade, wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover their face, head, ears, and neck. They also recommend wearing sunglasses that cover the sides of the face and block both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. The CDC recommended sunscreen must have protection of at least 15 SPF or more.

In addition to Quito, other cities in the inter-Andean alley such as Loja, in the south of the country, will also experience extremely high levels of radiation this week. On the other hand, in the coastal region, in the Ecuadorian Amazon and in the Galapagos, radiation will range from moderate to very high.

The rains will continue in the country

Since the end of January, Ecuador has experienced heavy rains that have resulted in incommunicado populations, crops and livestock lost, roads in poor condition, injured, dead and injured. The country's rainy season will continue, according to Macas, although the risk of landslides could decrease due to radiation.

The expert has explained that the sun will allow the rain to evaporate more quickly. This way the soil can be compacted. This will help reduce the risk of landslides. Despite this, precautions still need to be taken. For example, travel should be avoided at night or in the early morning, during these periods rain and fog are expected, which could cause less visibility for drivers, traffic accidents and road damage.

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