11 Aug 2022 | 11:53 AM UTC
Venezuela: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in multiple regions including Caracas as of Aug. 11
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela as of Aug. 11. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing in Caracas and across several other parts of Venezuela as of Aug. 11. The presence of a tropical wave over the country has triggered heavy downpours across much of the country and further adverse weather is forecast over the coming days.
Heavy rainfall since early Aug. 10 has caused flooding in several neighborhoods of Caracas. Flooded roads have led to traffic disruptions across the capital and power outages have been reported in some areas. Affected roads include Andres Bello, San Martin, and El Paraiso, as well as slip roads to the Gran Cacique Guaicaipuro highway. Amongst the worst affected areas of the city is the Petare favela in the Jovita neighborhood, where the intense rain has caused the Guaire River to overflow. Officials have activated the Emergency Disaster and Control Center due to the flooding in the capital.
Heavy rainfall also caused the overflow of the Socopo River in Barinas State, triggering widespread flooding in the region. Around 258 families in Antonio Jose de Sucre Municipality were affected by the floods and 51 families have been housed in emergency accommodation in Santa Barbara due to their homes being flooded. Hundreds of other people across other parts of the state have also been impacted by the flooding. The severe weather also caused a road to collapse near San Cristobal in Tachira State. Heavy rainfall and flooding have also been reported in parts of Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Guarico, Merida, Miranda, and Secure states.
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMEH) has warned of further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by possible lightning and strong wind gusts across parts of Zulia State, the Andean region, the western and central plains region, the north-central coast, and Amazonas State Aug. 11. INAMEH has also warned of a band of thunderstorms over western Anzoategui, Monagas, Delta Amacuro, Bolivar, and Amazonas states early Aug. 11. Further downpours could trigger additional flooding, especially over areas where the ground is saturated and river levels are high, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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.
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.
