Colombia: Heavy rain forecast for Bogotá April 6-13 /update 2

Event

Heavy rain continues to batter the capital Bogotá, along with various other parts of the country, as of Friday, April 6, amid the ongoing rainy season. The rain has resulted in increased traffic congestion in the city along with hours-long power outages. The capital region remains on alert for possible river-adjacent flooding and landslides; this risk is particularly high in the neighborhoods of Bosa, Kennedy, and Fontibón, located along the Bogotá River, as well as in Tunjuelito. According to current forecasts, rain is expected to continue on a daily basis until at least April 13.

As of early April 6, red flood and/or landslide alerts issued by the Colombian weather service IDEAM - the highest warning level - are in place in parts of the following departments: Arauca, Boyacá, Casanare, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Quindío, Santander, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca. Lower orange alerts flooding and/or landslides are in place in various other parts of the country, including Bogotá.

Context

Flooding and landslides are common in Colombia during the rainy seasons, which typically occur in April-May and October-November. 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.