Córdoba Under Water: Stories of a Night That Doesn't End
"Get out fast." The cry split the night in two. It was barely 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, and the rain was already showing its worst face. The Sinú River had overflowed. It came down with the accumulated force from the upper part and in a matter of minutes it entered neighborhoods of Montería and nearby municipalities in the department of Córdoba.
TL;DR
- Heavy, atypical rains caused the Sinú River to overflow, flooding parts of Montería and Córdoba.
- Residents experienced rapid water level increases, forcing immediate evacuations and leaving them with little time to save possessions.
- Many residents lost homes, furniture, and appliances, with some seeking refuge in temporary shelters.
- The Urrá hydroelectric dam reached maximum levels, contributing to the overflowing of the river.
- Historically, February is a dry month, but this year saw unprecedented water inflows to the dam.
- Affected communities express distrust towards the Urrá hydroelectric company, blaming it for the disaster.
- The government estimates over 200,000 people affected, with hundreds of homes damaged.