Colombia: Flooding along the Arauca River June 22-26

Event

A dam on the Arauca River ruptured on Friday, June 22, leading to flooding downstream along the river and its tributaries that has affected more than 4000 people. Affected areas include Bello Horizonte, San Vicente de Paúl, Caño Jesús, Barrancones, Payada, El Torno, and Corocito. Further rain is forecast daily until at least July 3, which could aggravate the situation.

As of Tuesday, June 26, red flood alerts issued by the Colombian weather service IDEAM are in effect for the municipalities of Arauca and Arauquita; lower orange alerts are in place in Puerto Rondón and Cravo Norte.

Context

Flooding and landslides are common in Colombia during the rainy seasons, which typically occur in April-May and October-November. However, the current rainy season has continued into June. 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 in the above areas are advised to avoid areas directly impacted by flooding, monitor the situation and weather forecasts, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders).