Colombia: Landslide kills at least 18 people in Quibdo, Choco Department, Jan. 12-13

Heavy rainfall in Quibdo, Choco Department, caused a fatal landslide on the Medellin-Quibdo Road the evening of Jan. 12, killing at least 18 people and injuring over 30 others. Reports indicate that houses and roads in the area have sustained notable damage. Several people are missing. Response operations are ongoing following the landslide, and casualty figures could rise in the coming days.

Further 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. Further 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.

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.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood and landslide damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.