Colombia: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across multiple regions as of April 6; further adverse weather forecast

Event

Weather-related disruptions are ongoing in several regions across Colombia as of April 6 after recent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms triggered flooding and landslides. Further rainfall is forecast across much of the country through at least April 8, with the most intense downpours April 6 forecast in parts of Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caqueta, Cesar, Cordoba, Guaviare, Magdalena, Putumayo, and Santander departments. Further downpours could exacerbate the situation in areas already experiencing flooding, hamper recovery efforts, and trigger additional flooding and landslides in other areas.

Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused flooding and landslides in several regions. Intense rainfall early April 2 triggered a landslide in the municipality of Ancuya in Narino Department. The landslide destroyed two homes and caused three fatalities and five injuries, and blocked roads in the area. Two other fatalities were reported in Norcasia and Marulanda municipalities in Caldas Department April 5 due to flooding and landslides. Storms damaged around 27 homes and damaged water supply infrastructure in La Merced municipality in Caldas Department April 3, leaving around 1,200 people without drinking water. Authorities have also stated that the adverse weather has affected the highway network across Caldas Department, with many roads closed or in poor condition.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has reported that since the beginning of the rainy season, March 15 through April 3, 149 weather-related events have been recorded across 101 municipalities in 15 departments, the majority of which have been flooding and landslides. These events have affected 2,365 families (over 5,500 people) and caused ten fatalities and 14 injuries, as well as damaging 736 houses and destroying 22. Damage has been caused to 205 roads and 17 bridges across the country, as well as to other infrastructure. The worst-affected departments include Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Narino, Quindio, Risaralda, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca.

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 are 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)