The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has raised its alert level to orange as Colombia’s rainy season leaves two dead and 500 families affected.
The alert has been activated in the Andina, Orinoquia and Pacifica regions due to an increased risk of landslides, especially in the departments of Boyaca, Casanare, Cundinamarca, Choco, Meta and Norte de Santander.
Reportedly, the rain didn’t stop for 24 hours in various regions across the country on Saturday, and was confirmed to be the wettest day of April.
IDEAM declared that those living in and around mountainous regions, or near rivers, are those who need to take the most precautions.
IDEAM director Omar Franco indicated that this type of weather fits within the expected trends that come with Colombia’s rainy season, adding that there will be a possibility of more “peaks” in the winter period up until the second week of June.
Heavy rains devastated some regions of the country in March, with 544 houses destroyed and a further 299 houses damaged. IDEAM said at the time that such weather was highly uncharacteristic for the time of the year.
MORE: Colombia rainy season begins in April: State agency
Colombia’s rainy season typically begins in April and ends sometime during June.
Sources
- Alerta naranja del Ideam por incremento del invierno (El Espectador)
- Temporada de lluvias deja dos muertos y 500 familias afectadas (W Radio)
