environment
February 17, 2026
Medellín calls to stop dumping waste into streams due to flood risk: 78 fines have been imposed
Amid the emergency situation facing Medellín due to the rains, a video emerged of a man throwing construction debris into the La Rosa stream.
TL;DR
- A video showed a man dumping construction debris into the La Rosa stream in Medellín's Santa Cruz neighborhood.
- This action increases the risk of streams overflowing during heavy rains.
- Medellín's mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, condemned the irresponsible behavior and called for public awareness.
- Authorities have removed approximately 874 cubic meters of waste from streams in Medellín so far in 2026.
- 78 fines, totaling 1,865,600 Colombian pesos, have been issued to those responsible for dumping waste.
- Despite efforts, incidents like the one in Santa Cruz and another involving a mattress near the Botanical Garden continue.
- A cold front from the north has caused emergencies in at least eight Colombian departments.
- Medellín experienced rainfall in 45 minutes equivalent to what should have fallen in the entire month of January.
- The national government declared an Economic, Social, and Ecological Emergency on February 11, 2026, for Córdoba, Antioquia, La Guajira, Sucre, Bolívar, Cesar, Magdalena, and Chocó.