Colombia: Torrential rains continue to batter the country /update 15

Event

Torrential rains that have resulted in numerous floods and landslides continue to wreak havoc in large areas of Colombia as of Wednesday, May 17. These rains have been a near-constant phenomenon since late February and have resulted in the deaths of at least 389 people, along with 174 landslides, more than 200 instances of flooding, and widespread damage. The rains are expected to reach peak intensity this week, with precipitation levels expected to begin to fall next week.  

As of May 17, red alerts (the highest level) issued by IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) for flooding and/or landslides are in effect for all or parts of the departments of Antioquia (including the city of Medellín), Caldas, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca (including the city of Cali).

Lower orange alerts are in place in Arauca, Boyacá, Caquetá, Casanare, Chocó, Córdoba, Guajira, Putumayo, Quindío, and Risaralda.

Generally speaking, the flood risk is highest along rivers and the landslide risk in hilly or mountainous zones, particularly in poorer areas lacking proper building code standards. An increased risk of traffic accidents and ground transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days and weeks as many roads and bridges have been washed away or rendered temporarily impassable.

Context

Months of torrential rains, the worst seen in the country in six years, have resulted in major destruction in large areas of the country, notably deadly landslides in Mocoa (April 1; 329 killed), Manizales (April 19; 19 deaths), Bagadó (April 20; two deaths), and Cocorná (May 1, three deaths).

Flooding and landslides are common during the rainy seasons, which typically occur April-May and October-November. The current rainy season has been more intense than usual due to the cyclical climatic phenomenon La Niña.

Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and the Zika virus, tends to rise after periods of heavy rains.

Advice

Individuals present in affected departments are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.