Colombia: Flood warnings in effect along northern coast September 19-22

Event

Officials issued alerts on Tuesday, September 19, warning of potentially heavy rainfall and high winds along the country's northern coast through Thursday, September 21. The additional rainfall is an indirect effect of Hurricane Maria as it moves through the Caribbean, and comes during an already intense rainy season. Authorities in La Guajira warned residents that heavy rains may cause loss of power on Wednesday, September 20, and Thursday, September 21.  Storms have already reportedly caused damage in the town of Malambo, leaving it partly without electricity. Flooding attributed to heavy rains was already reported in several neighborhoods in Cartagena on Sunday, September 17. Additionally, landslide and flash flood warnings are in effect through Friday, September 22, for the Antioquia, Magdalena, Córdoba, and Bolívar departments.

Context

As of the morning of September 19, Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm, was moving toward the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Torrential rains resulted in many floods and landslides in recent months across much of Colombia. These rains have been near-constant since late February and have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread damage. The current rainy season has been more intense than usual due to the cyclical climatic phenomenon La Niña.

Advice

Individuals present in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal and mountainous areas (risk of flooding and landslides), and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities.

In the event of flooding, 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 discarded.