Exceptional rains leave at least 22 dead in Colombia

Tuesday 10 February 2026 - 10:00

By: Sahili Aya

Exceptional rains leave at least 22 dead in Colombia

At least 22 people have died in Colombia following a series of severe floods triggered by unusually intense rainfall, according to local authorities. The deadly weather has affected several regions over the past two weeks, displacing thousands of families and causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

Northern departments have been among the most severely impacted. In Córdoba and Sucre, officials reported a significant number of fatalities and tens of thousands of residents affected by rising water levels. Entire neighborhoods have been submerged, forcing residents to evacuate using boats, improvised rafts, and vehicles adapted to flooded roads.

The floods have struck rural and urban areas alike, particularly regions traditionally dedicated to agriculture and livestock. In many locations, water has risen to waist height, making it difficult for residents to retrieve personal belongings or access basic services. Emergency teams have been working to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to affected communities.

Authorities noted that the rainfall is highly unusual for this time of year. Colombia’s meteorological institute reported a sharp increase in precipitation compared with seasonal averages, attributing the anomaly to broader climatic disturbances affecting the Caribbean region.

Government officials warned that further rain could worsen the situation in already vulnerable areas. They urged residents to follow evacuation orders and emphasized the need for long-term strategies to strengthen disaster preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent.