Attention: IDEAM issues weather alerts in several regions of the country

The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has issued an urgent appeal to citizens to stay informed about the multiple weather alerts currently affecting different regions of Colombia.

You may read: Attention: on August 30 there will be a national teachers’ strike, this is what Fecode said

These weather alerts are the result of extreme weather conditions that can have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of local communities. It is vital to be attentive to forecasts and follow the recommendations issued by the authorities to ensure the protection of lives and property.

In a recent announcement, the IDEAM has informed about the activation of alerts of different levels in several areas of the country.

Weather alerts in several regions of the country

The first and most worrisome of these is the red alert decreed for the departments of Meta, Boyacá and Casanare, in response to the sudden rise of the Upía river.

This situation represents an imminent risk for the communities living near this river and requires an urgent response from local and national authorities, according to IDEAM.

Another red alert has been declared in the department of Antioquia, specifically in the area of the La Oca stream, a tributary of the Nichí river. This flash flood has generated concern in the population of Zaragoza, where it has been recommended to maintain constant vigilance in view of the possibility of adverse events.

In La Guajira, the IDEAM has issued an orange alert due to the high probability of fires. Current weather conditions increase the susceptibility to the spread of fires, which requires the community to be alert and take preventive measures to avoid tragedies.

In addition to these specific weather alerts, landslides have been warned about the possibility of landslides in multiple departments, including Magdalena, Bolívar, Cesar, Casanare, Arauca, Meta, Caquetá and areas of the Pacific and the Andes.

These landslides could have a devastating impact on local communities and it is essential that people are informed about the risks and take the necessary precautions.

IDEAM is also generating weather warnings in maritime areas. In the Caribbean Sea and in the northern and central Pacific, an orange alert has been decreed due to persistent rains.

In addition, a warning has been issued for winds and swells in the northeastern Caribbean, which could affect navigation and safety in the area.

IDEAM issues warning for heavy rains in several departments

IDEAM has also forecast significant rainfall in numerous departments, including Córdoba, Sucre, Magdalena, Bolívar, Atlántico, Cesar, La Guajira, Antioquia, Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Eje Cafetero, Tolima, Meta, Casanare, Arauca, Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Nariño, Guaviare, Caquetá and Putumayo.

The heaviest rains are expected to be concentrated in the Caribbean Sea, including the islands of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina, as well as in the Caribbean, Orinoco, Pacific, northern and central Andean, and northern and western Amazon regions.

In view of these extreme weather conditions, authorities are calling on the population to stay informed through official communication channels, follow safety recommendations and be prepared to act in case of emergency.

Prevention and precaution are essential to ensure everyone’s safety in the midst of these weather conditions. Therefore, we give you some recommendations to follow in case of fire, landslides and heavy rains.

Preventive precautions in case of fire, according to Firefighters Bogotá

1. Stay calm: In a panic situation, making calm and informed decisions becomes more difficult. Take a deep breath and focus on the actions necessary for your safety and the safety of others.

2. Know escape routes: Be aware of the exits and escape routes available in the places you frequent, whether it is your home, workplace or any other public place.

3. Keep areas clear of obstructions: Make sure doors and windows are not blocked by furniture or objects. This will ensure a quick and unobstructed evacuation.

4. Store flammable substances safely: Store flammable chemicals, such as aerosols, gasoline and cleaning products, in safe, well-ventilated places away from heat and flame.

You may also read: Researchers nominate Chicamocha Canyon as geological heritage site

Crucial actions in case of fire

1. Evacuate immediately: If a fire breaks out and you cannot control it, leave the area immediately. Do not try to collect personal belongings or delay evacuation.

2. Always crawl under smoke: Smoke tends to rise, so if you encounter dense smoke, crouch down and crawl forward to avoid inhaling toxic smoke.

3. Do not open hot doors: Before opening a door, touch the handle with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do not open it, as there could be fire on the other side.

4. Wear extra clothing to cover yourself: If you are trapped and need to escape through flames, cover yourself with a thick piece of clothing, such as a blanket, to protect yourself from heat and burns.

5. Call the emergency number: Call the local emergency number (123) as soon as it is safe to do so. Give accurate details of the location and nature of the fire.

6. Gather at a meeting point: Once outside, meet at a predetermined meeting point with your family or coworkers to make sure everyone is safe.

7. Do not return inside: After evacuating, do not return to the burning building for any reason. Let emergency service professionals handle the situation.

Dealing with a fire requires a combination of caution, planning and decisive action. Staying informed about safety measures and regularly practicing emergency evacuations with family and colleagues are vital steps to effectively dealing with this threat.

Precautions and actions for landslides

These natural events can occur suddenly and have devastating consequences for local communities. Here are some precautions and actions that anyone should be aware of to effectively deal with landslides.

Preventive Precautions, according to the Red Cross

Know the risk areas: Learn about landslide-prone areas in your area. Local authorities and geological experts can provide crucial information about the most vulnerable locations.

2. Be aware of weather conditions: Heavy and prolonged rainfall is a common trigger for landslides. Pay attention to weather forecasts and be aware of extreme conditions.

3. Avoid building on steep slopes: If you are considering building or purchasing property, avoid areas with steep slopes and unstable terrain. Building in these areas significantly increases the risk of landslides.

4. Keep drainage areas clear: Make sure drainage systems and channels are clear of obstructions. Accumulated water can weaken the soil and increase the risk of landslides.

5. Avoid deforestation: Vegetation is essential to stabilize the soil. Deforestation and excessive removal of vegetation can weaken the soil.

Crucial actions in case of landslides

1. Stay alert: Keep your senses alert to detect early signs of a possible landslide, such as cracks in the ground, movements in slopes and changes in water flow.

2. Evacuate if necessary: If an imminent landslide is suspected or predicted, follow the instructions of authorities and be prepared to evacuate the area if necessary. Do not put yourself or others at risk.

3. Get to high ground: If you are in a landslide-prone area and feel the ground is giving way, get to high ground or to a safer area a considerable distance from the slope.

4. Report the danger: If you witness a landslide or notice signs of one, immediately report the situation to local authorities and nearby people so they can take appropriate action.

5. Keep your radio on: It is important to listen for emergency announcements and updates on the situation. Real-time information is essential in times of crisis.

6. Move cautiously: If you need to move during a landslide, do so with caution. Stay on the sides of streets and roads, away from landslide-prone areas.

Precautions and measures in case of heavy rains, according to The Red Cross

Heavy rains can trigger a series of problems ranging from flooding to landslides. Given the uncertainty of the current weather and the multiple weather warnings, it is essential that people are prepared and aware of preventive precautions:

1. Stay up to date on Weather Information: staying abreast of weather forecasts is crucial. Find out what weather conditions are forecast for your area.

2. Drain and gutter cleaning: Before the rainy season, be sure to clean drains and gutters in your home to facilitate water flow and prevent flooding.

3. Reinforce roofs and windows: Make sure roofs and windows are in good condition and water resistant. This will reduce the risk of leaks and damage.

4. Store items in an elevated location: If you live in an area prone to flooding, store valuables and important documents in an elevated location to protect them from damage.

5. Avoid risk areas: If you know of areas in your community that are prone to flooding or landslides, avoid traveling through them during heavy rains.

Crucial actions in the event of heavy rains

1. Stay calm: Informed decision making is most effective when you remain calm.

2. Be informed: Listen to emergency bulletins on the radio, television or weather forecasting apps for updates on weather conditions, weather warnings and safety recommendations.

3. Avoid crossing floodwaters: Never attempt to cross streams, rivers or flooded streets, as moving water can carry you away.

4. Evacuate if necessary: If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately.

5. Stay indoors: If you are indoors during a heavy rain, seek shelter indoors and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.

6. Unplug electronics: In the event of a thunderstorm, unplug electronics to avoid damage from lightning or power surges.

7. Do not take shelter under large trees: In the event of a thunderstorm, avoid taking shelter under large trees or metal structures, as this increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

8. Have an emergency kit on hand: Prepare a kit with essential items, such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, medicines, important documents and some money.

Keep reading: With new tremor, Google’s earthquake alert showed its usefulness again: learn how to activate it