The National Environmental Licensing Agency (Anla) reported a 69% increase in water inflow to the Urrá dam in Córdoba, rising from 485 m³/s to 823 m³/s in 24 hours. This raises flood risks downstream along the Sinú River, leading to orders to keep riverside areas evacuated. However, Montería's mayor, Hugo F. Kerguelen, stated that the reservoir level is descending in a controlled manner and the crisis has passed its peak.
The Urrá reservoir, located in Colombia's Córdoba department, has seen a significant rise in water inflows due to recent rains. According to the Anla, the incoming flow was measured at 485 cubic meters per second (m³/s) at 5 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026, reaching 823 m³/s by the end of the monitoring period—a 69% increase in just 24 hours. This progressive accumulation creates a growing gap between inflows and outflows, potentially raising downstream discharges along the Sinú River if rains continue, heightening flood risks.
Urrá, the dam's operator, ordered riverside areas near the Sinú River to remain evacuated due to the sharp rise in inflows and downstream releases. In a statement, they explained: “Due to the strong increase in inflows to the reservoir, downstream discharges have also increased, so the community is asked to keep the riverside areas of the Sinú River evacuated and follow the recommendations of emergency management agencies.” Juan Acevedo, Urrá's interim president, called the hydrological event “unforeseeable and irresistible,” noting that inflow levels exceed historical records, surpassing the 620 m³/s daily average from 1999. The reservoir's fill level rose from 31.1% in April 2024 to 102.7% as of February 8, 2026, with a peak of 109% on February 3.
In contrast, Montería Mayor Hugo F. Kerguelen posted on X that the reservoir level is falling steadily and controllably. He stated that inflows have decreased and discharges remain manageable. “In simple terms: the system is draining more water than it is receiving, and the flood has passed its most critical point,” he said. For the Sinú River, levels peaked at 5.33 meters on February 12, dropping to 4.66 meters—a 67-centimeter decline. Kerguelen projected that, if the trend holds, river activities like transport and economic operations would resume normally from Monday, February 16.
Urrá encourages checking its Hydrology Report at www.urra.com.co for updates.
