Colombia: Widespread flooding and landslide alerts in place April 3

Event

The Colombian weather service IDEAM has issued numerous red alerts - the highest warning level - due to the risk of landslides and flash flooding. The alerts are in effect as of Tuesday, April 3, in parts of the following departments: Arauca, Boyacá, Cauca, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Norte de Santander, Quindío, Santander, and Valle del Cauca. Lower orange alerts for flooding and/or landslides are in place in various other parts of the country, including the capital Bogotá.

Heavy rain is expected to continue throughout April and May. 

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.