Colombia – 20 Homes Destroyed by Floods in Magdalena, 1 Person Reported Missing

by in Americas, News

One person is missing and 20 homes were destroyed after torrential rain caused flash floods in Magdalena Department in the north of Colombia.

Flood damage in San Fernando neighbourhood of Santa Marta, Colombia, September 2021. Photo: City of Santa Marta

Flooding struck in the city of Santa Marta and surrounding areas after more than 75 mm of rain fell in a few hours from late 30 August 2021. According to city officials 5,223 families were affected by the severe weather, including 3,487 in the inner urban area of Santa Marta.

Several water bodies around the city broke their banks, including the Manzanares and Gaira rivers in the city and the Guachaca River in Guachaca district.

The department’s disaster management agency, Gestión del Riesgo y Cambio Climático (Ogricc), reported 20 homes were completely destroyed and a further 223 partly collapsed.

A teenage boy was reported missing after being swept away by waters from the overflowing Manzanares River in the Bonda neighbourhood, just outside the city. As of 02 September search and rescue operations were ongoing.

Flood damage in Santa Marta, Colombia, September 2021. Photo: City of Santa Marta
Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed after heavy rain and floods in Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia. Photo: Gestión del Riesgo y Cambio Climático (Ogricc)

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