Floods leave 44 dead and 72 000 families affected across 16 departments, Colombia

Persistent heavy rainfall affecting Colombia since January 26, has resulted in widespread flooding and rain-induced mass movements across 16 departments. As of February 11, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reports 44 fatalities, 12 000 homes damaged, 4 000 destroyed, and approximately 72 000 families affected in 104 municipalities.

Earlier official balances released on February 8–9 reported 22 fatalities, nine injured, and three missing persons, with 69 000 families affected following 131 critical events. The subsequent increase in confirmed fatalities and affected households reflects continued rainfall and consolidation of field assessments.

Córdoba department remains the epicenter of the emergency, with more than 50 000 families affected there. Flooding along the Sinú River has inundated residential areas, agricultural land, and transport corridors.

The Urrá I reservoir has continued operating above its overflow level, maintaining pressure on downstream river stages. Although UNGRD specialists report a slight decrease in inflows in recent hours, river levels remain elevated.

In Montería, the capital of Córdoba, river levels exceeded 5 m (16.4 feet), prompting Mayor Hugo Kerguelén to order the immediate preventive evacuation of 13 neighborhoods on the left bank of the Sinú River, including El Tambo, El Rosario, Alboraya, Campo Alegre, El Campano, Casita Nueva, Las Viñas, Villa Real, El Amparo, Puente No 2, Río de Janeiro, Rosario, and Magdalena. Emergency agencies are constructing temporary protection barriers while organizing relocations.

Floodwaters are advancing downstream toward the Bajo Sinú subregion, affecting municipalities including Cereté, San Pelayo, Cotorra, Lorica, and San Bernardo del Viento before discharge into the Caribbean Sea.

Outside the Caribbean region, the southwest has experienced fatal landslides. In Mallama municipality, Nariño department, a rain-triggered mass movement killed seven people. Nariño reports a total of 11 fatalities linked to the current rainfall episode. Valle del Cauca has confirmed four deaths due to sudden flooding, and Santander reports one fatality associated with a sudden rise of the Lebrija River that affected 60 families.

In the southern Bolívar department, overflow of the Caribona River in Montecristo municipality affected approximately 1 300 people. The governor of Bolívar attributed the severity of sudden flooding to sediment accumulation and waste from illegal mining activities that obstructed drainage channels, leading to abrupt water surges once blockages failed.

UNGRD reports the delivery of more than 7 400 humanitarian kits in Córdoba and the deployment of approximately 70 tons of humanitarian aid. The Colombian National Army has deployed personnel and logistical assets to support evacuations and relief distribution.

The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) reported that rainfall decreased by approximately 26% in recent hours but maintained alerts in several regions. The second cold front affecting the country is forecast to gradually weaken; however, additional rainfall is expected over the next 48 hours in northern, western, and southeastern Colombia.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service activated rapid mapping (EMSR865) on the morning of February 11 to support flood extent analysis and emergency response planning.

References:

¹ Colombia – Floods, update – ECHO – February 11, 2026

² Torrential rain triggers deadly landslides and floods across Colombia, killing 13 – The Watchers – February 9, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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