Colombia: Widespread risk of flooding, landslides continues /update 11

Event

Torrential rains continue to wreak havoc in large swathes of western and central Colombia, resulting in flooding and deadly landslides, the latest of which occurred late on Monday, May 1, in the municipality of Cocorná (Antioquia department), leaving three people dead. As of Wednesday, May 3, red and orange alerts (highest and second-highest levels) for flooding and/or landslides issued by the national meteorological authorities IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) remain in place for municipalities across numerous departments - including Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Caldas, Caquetá, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Meta, Nariño, Putumayo, and Santander. 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

Weeks of torrential rains, the worst seen in the country for the past six years, have resulted in major destruction in large areas of the country, notably deadly landslides Mocoa (April 1; more than 320 killed), Manizales (April 19; at least 19 deaths), and Bagadó (April 20; two 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 keep abreast of 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.