The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) warned of persistent rains in southwestern Colombia, emphasizing Valle del Cauca. These precipitations have caused emergencies in 27 municipalities, resulting in 11 deaths and infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, high levels in hydroelectric reservoirs have prompted the government to request reductions in energy prices.
The Ideam reported probabilities of moderate to strong precipitations in the Andean and Pacific regions, including Valle del Cauca, based on synoptic conditions, satellite images, radar data, and numerical models. Forecasts indicate rains throughout the day—dawn, morning, afternoon, and night—with zones marked on color scales from blue (light) to purple (very strong). Warnings include sudden floods, inundations in hydrographic basins, and landslides in saturated soils, especially in mountainous and rural areas.
The Gobernación del Valle del Cauca reported that 27 municipalities have recorded emergencies such as landslides, torrential avenues, and road damage. As a result, 11 people were confirmed deceased, along with impacts on housing, public buildings, crops, and poultry farms. The Secretaría de Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres coordinated immediate attention, diagnostics, transfers, and response plans with municipal committees and relief organizations.
These rains coincide with the start of the high precipitation season, raising accumulated levels above the historical average. Meanwhile, the heavy rainy season has increased levels in national hydroelectric reservoirs, such as Betania (93%, compared to 74% a year ago) and El Quimbo (74%, compared to 56%). The Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma Egea, emphasized: “with reservoirs at high levels, the value of water approaches zero in the bolsa. We expect responsible market behavior”.
Palma urged generators like Gecelca, Gensa, and Urrá to adopt the Creg's New Low Price Rules by Technology via circular 40008, to reflect real costs and stabilize prices. Natalia Gutiérrez, president of Acolgen, noted that “the energy price in the bolsa has shown a downward trend”, with averages of 213.2 $/kWh so far in 2026, below contracts 86.2% of the time.
