Persistence of Rains Worsens Floods in Colombian Department of Córdoba
Hundreds of families in Montería, the capital of the Colombian department of Córdoba, were surprised this Saturday by a new emergency caused by the rains, which forced them to abandon their homes located on the left bank of the Sinú River, an area that, according to residents, had never before been flooded. "I have 22 years of life [...]
TL;DR
- Hundreds of families in Montería, Córdoba, experienced sudden flooding on the left bank of the Sinú River, an area previously unaffected.
- The floods are attributed to water from full dams and wetlands, with residents fearing worse if the main river overflows.
- The broader crisis in Córdoba has impacted approximately 43,000 families and inundated over 35,000 hectares.
- Montería's mayor warned that water levels will remain high for days due to the Sinú River's growing wave and Urrá dam releases, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to declare an economic, social, and environmental emergency for the region, which has already seen 14 reported deaths.
- Unusual rainfall, exacerbated by a cold front in the Caribbean and water discharges from the Urrá dam, is intensifying the situation.