Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across multiple regions as of April 26; rainy season to continue through mid-June

Event

Weather-related disruptions are ongoing in several regions across Colombia as of April 26 after recent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms triggered flooding and landslides. The rainy season is forecast to continue through at least mid-June, bringing additional heavy rain to the country. Further downpours could exacerbate the situation in areas already experiencing flooding, hamper recovery efforts, and trigger additional flooding and landslides in other areas.

Heavy rains, thunderstorms, and hailstorms have been increasing across Colombia since April 18, affecting 22 departments. Authorities in Cundinamarca declared a public calamity for the entire department April 23 in order to respond quickly and provide fast support to the affected municipalities. Severe weather is affecting 85 out of 116 municipalities in the department since the start of the rainy season. Authorities confirmed five fatalities in Viota Municipality and two fatalities in Cachipay Municipality April 21-22 due to landslides. At least four people remain missing in Arbelaez Municipality due to the La Lejia Stream overflowing April 25.

Tolima Department remains on an orange alert and under the declaration of public calamity. The Magdalena and Sumapaz rivers have overflowed, flooding houses in Honda and Melgar towns.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has reported that since the beginning of the rainy season from March 16, 369 weather-related events have been recorded across 210 municipalities in 22 departments, the majority of which have been flooding and landslides. Antioquia, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Narino, Norte de Santander, and Tolima departments as well as the Coffee Region are the worst affected. These events have affected 6,813 families (over 21,500 people) and caused at least 33 fatalities, as well as damaging 3,025 houses and destroying 117. Damage has been caused to 371 roads and 42 bridges across the country, as well as to other infrastructure. Authorities have warned that residents should be vigilant for potential flooding or landslides throughout the rainy season.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 are 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)
National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) (Spanish)