Colombia: Red flood alerts in various regions June 21

Event

Various parts of Colombia have been placed on "red" alert (the highest level), in effect from Wednesday, June 21, through Friday, June 23, for flooding and landslides as rains continue to batter large areas of the country. The alerts were issued by IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) for parts of the departments of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Arauca, Magdalena, Meta, and Sucre.

Context

Torrential rains have 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. While precipitation levels have fallen over the past month, the risk has not yet totally passed; as the ground remains saturated by recent flooding, even regularly low levels for precipitation can trigger flash floods and mudslides.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). 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.