Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in parts of Antioquia Department as of early Aug. 9

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of Antioquia Department as of Aug. 9. Heavy rainfall Aug. 6-7 caused the La García and La Chiquita streams to overflow in Bello Municipality. Floodwaters have inundated around 150 homes, and dozens have collapsed due to the flooding. At least 500 families in the municipality have been affected, and officials have evacuated several families to safer locations. Flooding and landslides have also blocked several roads in the municipality. Around 42 homes were also damaged by flooding in Andes Municipality. Flooding has also been reported in parts of Copacabana, Cisneros, Girardota, and El Santuario municipalities in recent days.

The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of Antioquia Department through early Aug. 9, and further showers and thunderstorms are likely over the region in the coming days. Heavy rainfall could result in additional flooding and landslides, exacerbating the current situation and hampering ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides and flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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 likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

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)