30 May 2017 | 09:50 AM UTC
Colombia: Forest fire and flood/landslide alerts in effect
Various regions under alert for fires as of May 30; some areas still at risk of flooding/landslides despite diminishing rains
Event
Various parts of the country are on alert for forest fires. As of May 30, red alerts issued by IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) - the highest level - are in effect for all or parts of the departments of Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, Guajira, and Magdalena. Lower orange alerts are in place in Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Norte de Santander, Santander, and Sucre.
Additionally, while precipitation levels have diminished substantially over the past few days, some areas remain under alerts for flooding and/or landslides, including much of Chocó department as well as the municipalities of Barrancabermeja, Yondó, Cubará, Samaná, Toledo, Chitagá, Quetame, Guyabetal, Saravena, Guapi, El Castillo, El Calvario, Cubarral, Acacías, Villavicencio, Tumaco, Ricaurte, Francisco Pizarro, Barbacoas, El Banco, Guarandá, Yotoco, and La Victoria.
Context
Torrential rains resulted in innumerable floods and landslides in recent months in large areas of Colombia. These rains had been a near-constant phenomenon since late February and have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread damage.
Advice
Individuals present in areas affected by fires, flooding, or landslides are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders).
