Topocoro to become fourth reservoir spilling over due to overflow

The Playas reservoir has reached 110.5% of its capacity, starting spills of 2.0 GWh and becoming the third in this condition. The Superintendencia de Servicios Públicos Domiciliarios reports three reservoirs in simultaneous overcapacity: Playas, Ituango, and Urrá I. Topocoro, at 96.2% fill, may soon join due to the high flow of the Sogamoso River.

The Superintendencia de Servicios Públicos Domiciliarios reported that, as of February 26, 2026, Colombia's hydroelectric system has three reservoirs in simultaneous overcapacity. Playas is operating at 110.5% of its capacity, leading to spills of 2.0 GWh, joining Ituango (100.2%) and Urrá I (96.5%). This situation is described as unprecedented.

Ituango has recorded the week's highest spills, at 39.27 GWh, due to the record flow of the Cauca River at 1,367 m³/s, representing 218% of the historical average. In contrast, the Punchiná reservoir recovered notably to 76.0%, an increase of 59.7 points from 16.3% on February 22, thanks to reduced dispatch at the San Carlos plant.

Topocoro is at 96.2%, with only a 3.8% free margin, and the Sogamoso River is flowing at 982 m³/s, 504% of the historical average, making spills inevitable in the next 24 hours. Other rivers show significant increases: Prado at 314.6 m³/s (581% historical), pressuring its reservoir to 70.7%; San Carlos at 54.8 m³/s (337%); and Betania CP stable at 185.8 m³/s (132%), with no imminent spill risk.

Companies like EPM are maintaining constant monitoring of their electric generation reservoirs amid these intense weather conditions.

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Colombian government officials in Montería urgently coordinate flood response for Córdoba, with maps of inundated areas from heavy rains and Urrá reservoir.
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Government addresses floods in Córdoba amid climate crisis

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The Colombian government holds a Council of Ministers in Montería to coordinate responses to floods in Córdoba, triggered by heavy rains and discharges from the Urrá reservoir. Urrá's board appointed Enrique Kerguelen Méndez as interim president after Julián Acevedo's resignation, amid criticism from President Gustavo Petro. Proposals include a new economic emergency and use of unspent royalties to address the crisis.

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.

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The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development signed an order requiring the Urrá hydroelectric plant to reduce its maximum quota from 130.5 to 128.5 meters above sea level. The measure addresses operations conducted amid a climate emergency in Córdoba. The ministry also demands recalculation of volumes, accounting for the buffer void and climate change scenarios.

Heavy rainfall in Valle del Cauca since December 24 has triggered emergencies across several municipalities, including a death from a landslide in Guadalajara de Buga. Officials report floods, sudden rises in waterways, and road disruptions, as Ideam forecasts more rain in the coming days. Contingency plans are activated amid the rainy season.

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The Electrificadora del Huila inaugurated the Granja Solar El Bote, built in 79 days with a $3.5 billion investment from its own resources, becoming the first photovoltaic plant by a public energy company in Colombia. Mines and Energy Minister Edwin Palma Egea attended the event and praised manager Nika Cuéllar's leadership. This project positions Huila as a leader in clean energies.

The National Unit for Risk and Disaster Management (Ungrd) warned of increased rainfall in the Caribbean, Andean, and Pacific regions due to a new cold front affecting Colombia from February 22 to 26. The Ideam specified special attention in areas like Córdoba and the Gulf of Urabá, while Dimar forecasts strong winds and high waves. Authorities recommend monitoring and preparation for potential floods and landslides.

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Heavy rain hit São Paulo and its metropolitan area on Monday (February 16), causing flooding, fallen trees, and power outages. In Guarulhos, people were stranded, and a woman had to cling to a post to avoid being swept away by the floodwaters. Utility company Enel reported over 67,000 customers without power at the peak of the storm.

 

 

 

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