Ecuador held a drill simulating a magnitude 8.8 earthquake and subsequent tsunami to evaluate its response capabilities. VIPER MASS enabled real-time communication with authorities and rescue teams, sending more than 60 alerts. Its success is driving its expansion to more institutions and fire departments in the country.
On January 31, 2025, Ecuador held the National Tsunami Drill, a large-scale exercise organized by the National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR), with the participation of approximately 11,000 people in the coastal provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro and Galápagos. The drill aimed to evaluate the capacity to respond to a high-intensity seismic event and the effectiveness of evacuation protocols.
The exercise simulated a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean, triggering a tsunami scenario that tested the early warning system, the public’s reaction and the coordination of emergency teams. The SNGR monitored the drill in real time to identify strengths and areas for improvement in disaster response protocols.
VIPER’s role: technology and rapid emergency response
At this important event, VIPER MASS played a key role in managing and communicating the emergency. From the very first moment, our mass alert system made it possible to coordinate more than 80 officials and authorities and staff from the affected municipalities.
VIPER’s key capabilities in this exercise were:
- Immediate alerts: from the earthquake notification to the tsunami alert and evacuation reports, VIPER ensured a fast, timely response.
- Multichannel: information was distributed through multiple channels, ensuring it reached every level of the response.
- Real-time reports: VIPER MASS made it possible to send and share key information in real time, making it easier to document and analyze the drill.
During the exercise, more than 10 mass notifications were sent to authorities and more than 50 alerts to the different USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) teams that took an active part in the drill. Seven Ecuadorian USAR teams took part and earned their certification during the event, validating their readiness for real emergencies.
The future of VIPER in Ecuador
Following the success of the drill, VIPER continues to establish itself as a key emergency management tool in the country. Machala was the first city to successfully implement VIPER, and talks are under way to expand its use to more fire departments. In addition, the Government Secretariat is evaluating the possibility of acquiring the system to strengthen the response of USAR teams from different institutions, including the Ecuadorian Traffic Police and the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
VIPER’s participation in the 2025 National Tsunami Drill shows how technology can make a difference in emergencies. Anticipating, informing and coordinating efficiently saves lives, and VIPER is committed to that mission.