Colombia: At least 13 killed in recent flooding as of April 15

Event

Colombia’s rainy season officially started on Monday, April 1, and has affected over 2000 people in recent weeks. As of Monday, April 15, at least 13 people have been killed by flooding and landslides in the departments of Antioquia, Nariño, Cauca, Cundinamrca, Huila, Caldas, and Caquetà. In some areas, such as Vigía del Fuerte (Antioquia department), flooding has isolated communities since Sunday, April 7. According to Colombia’s Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), rains are expected to impact most of the country through Holy Week, or until Sunday, April 21, and flooding and landslide alerts remain in effect for central, western, and southern departments.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia, particularly in the abovementioned departments, are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation disruptions (including road closures), and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult. Floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.