Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across multiple regions as of April 1; further adverse weather forecast

Event

Disruptions are ongoing in several regions across Colombia as of April 1 after heavy rainfall and thunderstorms triggered flooding and landslides. Further rainfall is forecast across much of the country through at least April 4, with the most intense rainfall likely in western and central regions. Further downpours could exacerbate the situation in areas already experiencing flooding and hamper recovery efforts, as well as trigger additional flooding and landslides in other areas.

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms occurred over parts of Amazonas, Antioquia, Bolivar, Caqueta, Cesar, Putumayo, Santander, Sucre, and Tolima departments early April 1, and lesser precipitation has been recorded in Cauca, Guaviare, Huila, Meta and Narino departments. Further rains of varying intensity and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day over much of the country and are most likely in Amazonas, Antioquia, Caqueta, Cauca, Choco, Magdalena, Narino, Putumayo, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca departments.

Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused disruptions due to flooding and landslides in several regions. Affected regions include Antioquia, Quindio, and Valle del Cauca departments. Heavy rainfall early March 31 triggered a landslide in Salinas in Caldas Municipality, Antioquia Department. One person was injured in the landslide, seven houses were damaged, and around 50 people were displaced. Also in Antioquia Department, road damage caused by flooding after a retaining wall collapsed has left 12 villages cut off in San Jose de Apartado in Apartado Municipality. Around 25 families in the area have had to leave their homes due to flood damage. Flooding was also recorded in Bello and Don Matias municipalities of Antioquia Department March 30. One person is missing following flooding in Valle del Cauca Department March 31 and floodwaters have inundated several streets in the departmental capital Cali. Landslides and flooding have also been reported in Armenia in Quindio Department following heavy rainfall March 31-April 1. The neighborhood of Cinquantenario was one of the worst affected by flooding, and two houses were damaged by a landslide in Gaitan Bajo. Additionally, a section of the Boquia-Salento road has been closed due to a fallen tree.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Additional 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 remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in 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.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) (Spanish)