Colombia: Flood, landslide alerts remain in place /update 16

Event

Torrential rains that have resulted in innumerable floods and landslides in recent months continue to wreak havoc in large areas of Colombia as of Tuesday, May 23. These rains have been a near-constant phenomenon for since late February and have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread damage. Precipitation levels were expected to begin to fall this week but much of the country remains under flooding and/or landslide alerts. States of emergency have been declared in 17 municipalities in Antioquia department, where 18,000 people are currently affected by flooding.

As of May 23, red alerts issued by IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) - the highest level - are in effect for all or parts of the departments of Antioquia (including the city of Medellín), Caldas, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Guaviare, Meta, and Valle del Cauca (including Cali). 

Lower orange alerts are in place in Arauca, Boyacá, Caquetá, Cesar, Chocó, Huila, Magdalena, Nariño, Putumayo, Santander, and Tolima.

Generally speaking, the flood risk is highest along rivers and the landslide risk in hilly or mountainous zones, particularly in poorer areas lacking proper building code standards. An increased risk of traffic accidents and ground transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days and weeks as many roads and bridges have been washed away or rendered temporarily impassable.

Context

Months of torrential rains, the worst seen in the country in six years, have resulted in major destruction in large areas of the country, notably deadly landslides in Mocoa (April 1; 329 killed), Manizales (April 19; 19 deaths), Bagadó (April 20; two deaths), and Cocorná (May 1, three deaths).

Flooding and landslides are common during the rainy seasons, which typically occur April-May and October-November. The current rainy season has been more intense than usual due to the cyclical climatic phenomenon La Niña.

Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and the Zika virus, tends to rise after periods of heavy rains.

Advice

Individuals present in affected departments are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, 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 disposed of.