Colombia: Landslide and flood alerts Nov. 23 /update 2

Event

The Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) continues to issue warnings for possible floods and landslides for much of western and central Colombia as of Thursday, November 23. There are fears that various rivers in these areas will burst their banks. 

An orange landslide alert - the second-highest warning level - remains in effect for the capital Bogotá. Higher red alerts for flooding and/or landslides are in place in parts of the following departments: Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Magdalena, Quindío, Santander, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca (including the city of Cali). Numerous other areas are under orange alerts.

Context

Flooding and landslides are common in Colombia during the rainy seasons, which typically occur in April-May and October-November. The current rainy season has been more intense than usual due to the cyclical climatic phenomenon La Niña. The rains and resulting floods have killed at least 15 people (two others missing) since mid-September, along with material damages. The worst-hit areas have been the Caribbean and Andean regions.

According to IDEAM, heavy rains are expected to continue in the country until mid-December. Generally speaking, the flood risk is highest along rivers and the landslide risk is highest in hilly or mountainous zones, particularly in poorer areas lacking proper building code standards.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.