10 Oct 2022 | 08:32 AM UTC
Venezuela: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the country as of early Oct. 10
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Venezuela as of early Oct. 10. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Venezuela as of early Oct. 10. 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 Oct. 8 has caused five rivers, including the El Pato River, to overflow and caused multiple landslides in central Venezuela, resulting in at least 25 fatalities, with 52 others still missing. The death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations progress. The worst affected was the town of Las Tejerias; authorities have declared a disaster zone and three days of mourning for the area. Reports indicate that cellular service is intermittent. Around 20,000 homes in the surrounding municipality of Santos Michelena have also been affected.
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 northern coastal Central, central Llanos, and Insular regions as well as Amazonas, Bolivar, and Falcon states. 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.
