18 Jul 2023 | 12:44 PM UTC
Colombia: Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Quetame Municipality, Cundinamarca Department, as of July 18
Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Cundinamarca Department, Colombia, as of July 18. Fatalities reported; road closures ongoing.
Event
Disruptions following landslides and flooding are ongoing in Cundinamarca Department as of July 18. A landslide occurred early July 18 in the village of Naranjal in Quetame Municipality following heavy rainfall since late July 17. Around 20 homes were swept away by the landslide; as of early July 18, authorities have reported at least eight fatalities, and eleven others are missing. Response operations are ongoing. Several of the surviving victims have been evacuated to Quetame. A combination of flooding and landslides has also closed sections of the highway between Bogota and Villavicencio around the Naranjal tollbooth. Officials have not confirmed when the road will reopen, and traffic is reportedly becoming congested in the vicinity of the tollbooth.
Lingering disruptions are likely in the area over the coming hours and days as response and recovery operations continue. Further light-to-moderate showers are forecast in the area through at least July 20; additional downpours could trigger further flooding and landslides, as well as hamper 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.
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.
