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.
Continuous rains in Valle del Cauca, starting from December 24, have caused a series of emergencies in central and northern municipalities. According to the Departmental Secretariat for Risk Management and Disasters, the most affected areas include Tuluá, Guadalajara de Buga, San Pedro, and Calima – El Darién, with events such as mass movements, sudden waterway rises, torrential floods, and inundations.
The most serious incident occurred in Guadalajara de Buga, where a mass movement resulted in one fatality. Secretary Francisco Tenorio expressed regret: “We regret to report that as a result of a mass movement in Buga, one person lost their life, and all pertinent actions are being taken on this matter.” The same municipality saw disruptions on several road points, which are being assessed with rescue organizations.
In Tuluá, the overflow of the Tuluá River flooded at least five neighborhoods, collapsed drainage systems, and hindered mobility, with water entering homes. The Municipal Risk Management Unit deployed heavy machinery to clear mud and debris, began cleaning sewers and drains, and announced a census to provide humanitarian aid to affected families.
In San Pedro, a rise in Quebrada La Artieta affected the area, and in Calima – El Darién, the Río Bravo sector experienced sudden rises and landslides. Authorities are collaborating with Concesión Malla Vial to restore roads.
Ideam recorded an 11.6% increase in precipitation compared to the previous day, with the highest amount of 129 millimeters in Buenaventura. For December 26, Cali is expected to have partly cloudy skies with isolated light rains in the morning and evening, and dry conditions in the afternoon. On December 27, dry conditions will predominate with occasional light rains. December, a transitional month, will maintain above-normal precipitation due to residual La Niña effects, with higher likelihood in western Colombia.
Tenorio urged mayors to heighten precautions: “We invite all to activate protocols and contingency plans in the face of this rainy season occurring in the department.”
