Heavy rain in the Colombian Caribbean caused severe flooding in at least 35 neighborhoods in the city of Santa Marta.
A heavy rain event in the Colombian Caribbean battered the city of Santa Marta this Sunday, just days after the city celebrated its 500 years. The rain has caused a critical situation in numerous sectors of the district. The rains, typical in August for the Caribbean region, intensified this year due to the La Niña climate phenomenon, causing floods, road blockages, and widespread damage.
According to official reports and local media information, the prolonged rainfall exceeded the urban system's capacity, overflowing stormwater and sanitary networks. The Ideam (Colombian Meteorological Institute) warned that these types of events correspond to a seasonal pattern with a high probability of rain in August, exacerbated by La Niña.
Heavy Rains in the Colombian Caribbean Overwhelm Santa MartaIn an unusual rain event this Sunday afternoon, August 3, in the Colombian Caribbean, chaos gripped the urban area of Santa Marta.
The amount of rainfall today, according to official Ideam data, exceeds the rain the city typically receives in an entire October.Traditionally vulnerable neighborhoods like Pescaíto, Alto Delicias, Los Fundadores, and El Pando suffered severe flooding. In these areas, water levels surpassed one meter (3.3 feet) in height, trapping homes and businesses, and forcing evacuations and rescues at various points throughout the city.
Comment: Flash flooding also hit the municipality of San Fernando about 150 kms further south: