Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Antioquia Department as of Jan. 16

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of Antioquia Department as of Jan. 16. Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds of over 100 kph (62 mph) caused two fatalities and injured around 25 others in the departmental capital Medellin late Jan. 14. The heavy rainfall inundated roads and strong winds downed trees across the city. A landslide occurred in the Nuevos Conquistadores neighborhood and power outages occurred in parts of the city.

Disruptions due to heavy rainfall and storms have also been reported in other parts of the department in recent days. Downpours triggered landslides in Santa Barbara Muniaplity Jan. 14 and around 25 homes were inundated by floodwaters in El Barge Municipality due to the overflowing La Abundancia River Jan. 14-15. Flooding has also been reported in Abriaqui, Andes, and Jardin municipalities and around 320 people have been displaced after a landslide damaged homes in Betulia Municipality Jan. 12. Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the region through at least Jan. 22.

Hazardous Conditions
Further 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)