Colombia: Landslide closes highway near San Luis October 26

Event

Authorities ordered the total closure of the Medellín-Bogotá highway near the municipality of San Luis (Antioquia department) during the early morning hours (local time) on Friday, October 26, due to flooding and landslides. The highway was partially reopened after several hours, although traffic in both directions was reduced to a single lane. Anticipate prolonged road closures and heavy transportation disruptions on the Medellín-Bogotá highway as workers continue to clear debris.

Context

Flooding and landslides are common in Colombia during the rainy seasons, which typically occur in October-November and April-May. The Medellín-Bogotá highway most recently experienced a total road closure for more than 20 hours on October 20-21 due to landslides also near San Luis.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, follow local weather reports and weather alerts issued by the national weather service IDEAM, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders).