Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northwestern and western departments as of March 7

Event

Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered flooding and caused widespread disruptions across parts of northwestern and western Colombia as of March 7. The flooding has affected thousands of people, damaged homes, and led to casualties. Further scattered showers are forecast across parts of the affected area in the coming days and additional downpours will likely exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is already saturated and may hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Overflowing rivers in the Uraba subregion of the Antioquia Department have led to severe flooding in the municipalities of Apartado, Carepa, Chigorodo, Murindo, and Turbo. One flood-related fatality has been reported in Turbo Municipality, and dozens of homes have been damaged. Several roads in the region have been inundated by floodwaters or blocked by landslides, leaving many communities cut off. Around 3,000 people are isolated in Murindo Municipalityy, and 2,000 are affected in Apartado Municipality. The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) maintains Red hydrological warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across much of Uraba.

Previously in Antioquia Department, flooding damaged homes and affected dozens of families in El Bagre Municipality March 3. Heavy rainfall Feb. 28-March 1 triggered flooding and landslides in Cocorna Municipality, resulting in one fatality and several roads in the area being blocked.

Elsewhere, flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have also impacted parts of Caldas, Cauca, Choco, and Risaralda departments since early March. A landslide in Quiebra Santa Barbara in Caldas Department caused one fatality and three injuries March 6. Two landslides March 2 caused a fatality in Belen de Umbria in Risaralda Department and destroyed six homes, and damaged 12 others in Istmina in Choco Department. Flooding has destroyed around 35 homes in Santander de Quilichao in Cauca Department and also affected around 500 people in La Virginia Municipality in Risaralda Department.

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)