12 Sep 2018 | 11:16 PM UTC
Colombia: Red alert remains in effect for Ituango dam /update 6
Red alert still in effect as of mid-September for Puerto Valdivia (Antioquia department) due to risk of failure of the Ituango dam; residents remain evacuated
Event
As of mid-September, a red alert remains in effect for Puerto Valdivia (Antioquia department) over fears regarding the structural integrity of the Ituango dam project. Residents have been evacuated from the area since late April; over 3000 people reportedly remain in shelters.
Context
The Ituango hydroelectric power plant has been under a state of emergency since April 28, threatening communities downriver.
Flooding and landslides are common in Colombia during the rainy seasons, which typically occur in April-May and October-November. The most recent rainy season, which continued into June, was particularly severe.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to closely monitor the situation and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).
