Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in parts of Cauca Department as of March 31

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of the Cauca Department as of March 31. Authorities evacuated three neighborhoods in Corinto Municipality after heavy rainfall late March 28 caused the La Palia River to overflow, threatening homes in the area. Floodwaters have also inundated several roads and bridges in the municipality. More than 1,600 families have also been affected by flooding in Suarez Municipality following heavy rainfall since March 27. At least 250 buildings in the municipality have been damaged and 10 others destroyed after the Cauca River and its tributaries burst their banks.

Three rivers have also overflowed in Santander de Quilichao Municipality after heavy rainfall since March 24. Authorities have reported one flood-related fatality and more than 500 people have been affected. Several landslides have also been reported in the municipality. Nearly 100 people have been affected by landslides which damaged several buildings in La Vega and Jambalo municipalities. Further flooding has been reported in Almaguer, Caloto, La Sierra, and Popyan municipalities.

Colombia's Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has forecast further isolated showers and thunderstorms across Cauca Department through at least April 2. Further heavy downpours could cause additional flooding and landslides, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous rainfall, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

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 with 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.