20 Jul 2023 | 05:05 AM UTC
Colombia: Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Quetame Municipality, Cundinamarca Department, as of July 19 /update 1
Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Cundinamarca Department, Colombia, as of July 19. Death toll increasing; road closures ongoing.
Event
Disruptions following landslides and flooding are ongoing in Cundinamarca Department as of late July 19; authorities have declared a state of emergency. A landslide occurred early July 18 in the village of Naranjal in Quetame Municipality following heavy rainfall since late July 17. Around 29 homes were destroyed or damaged. As of late July 19, authorities have confirmed at least 20 fatalities and six injured, with nine others still missing. Authorities have evacuated several of the surviving victims to Quetame. Heavy rainfall is hampering response operations. Flooding and landslides have also closed sections of the highway between Bogota and Villavicencio around the Naranjal tollbooth and damaged the bridge connecting Bogota with Cundinamarca and Meta provinces. Officials have not confirmed when the road will reopen but estimate that the bridge will likely be closed through at least July 30. Reports indicate that the inclement weather has disrupted power and water supplies to the area.
Lingering disruptions are likely in the area over the coming 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 will likely 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 will likely 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.
