Colombia: Landslide and flood alerts Nov. 20 /update 1

Event

The Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has issued warnings for possible floods and landslides for much of western and central Colombia as of Monday, November 20, amid ongoing heavy rain. An orange landslide alert - the second-highest warning level - is in effect for the capital Bogotá. Higher red alerts for flooding and/or landslides are in place in parts of the following departments: Antioquia (orange alert in the city of Medellín), Atlántico, Bolívar, Boyacá, Caldas, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Magdalena, Norte de Santander, Quindío, Santander, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca (including the city of Cali).

Context

Flooding and landslides are common in Colombia during the rainy seasons, which typically occur in April-May and October-November. The current rainy season has been more intense than usual due to the cyclical climatic phenomenon La Niña. The rains and resulting floods have killed at least 14 people since mid-September and three others remain missing nationwide. According to IDEAM, heavy rains are expected to continue in the country until the third week of December. Generally speaking, the flood risk is highest along rivers and the landslide risk is highest in hilly or mountainous zones, particularly in poorer areas lacking proper building code standards.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation 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 discarded.