Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central departments as of March 15

Event

Disruptions are ongoing in parts of central Colombia as of March 15 after heavy rainfall and thunderstorms triggered flooding and landslides. Although less intense rainfall is forecast across much of the affected area in the coming days, residual disruptions are likely to continue in the short term.

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms occurred over parts of Meta, Guaviare, Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Caldas, Antioquia, and Santander departments March 14. Overflowing rivers in eastern Antioquia Department led to around 100 families being evacuated in San Carlos Municipality. Landslides and flooding caused damage to homes and blocked roads in parts of Santander Department, including Piedecusta, Giron, and Bucaramanga. Homes were inundated with floodwater and roofs damaged by hail in Tunja in Boyaca Department.

Flooding following previous heavy rainfall March 12 caused traffic disruptions in Bogota and surrounding areas including San Cristobal and Usme. In Huila Department, the road connecting Neiva with Rivera Municipality is closed after the El Arenoso Bridge collapsed following heavy rainfall

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. In developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems, additional urban flooding is also possible. 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)