Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Santander Department as of June 14

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing in parts of Santander Department as of June 14. Storms brought heavy rainfall to northeastern parts of the department June 13, including the municipalities of Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, Giron, and Piedecuesta. Flooding and strong winds caused damage to several homes in Bucaramanga. A number of roads in the city were inundated by floodwaters and blocked by trees felled by the strong winds and debris carried by the floods. Flooding also affected sections of the Floridablanca-Piedecuesta highway. Rising levels in the Oro River has led to concerns of flooding in Giron.

The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has forecast moderate-to-heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over parts of southern and northeastern Santander Department June 14, with further showers and thunderstorms expected across much of the department through at least June 17. Additional downpours will likely exacerbate the situation in areas where flooding is already occurring and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
Further rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around 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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM)