Colombia: Heavy rainfall resulted in landslides in Dosquebradas municipality, Risaralda Department Feb. 8. Fatalities reported

Event

Heavy rainfall triggered flooding and landslides in parts of Dosquebradas municipality, Risaralda Department Feb. 8, causing at least 14 fatalities and leaving another 35 people hospitalized. Rescue efforts are underway. The number of fatalities is likely to increase over the coming days as response and recovery efforts continue in the area. Authorities have urged residents to leave the area due to the continued risk of landslides. Dozens of homes along the Otun River have been evacuated due to the river flooding. Further landslides could dam the Otun River, exacerbating the situation. Continued heavy rainfall in the area could result in flooding or additional landslides.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Additional urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM)(Spanish)