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CRISIS OVERVIEW
The onset of El Niño in Colombia in November 2023 led to dry conditions in the Orinoquia region, with precipitation deficits ranging from 20–60% below average, particularly in January–March 2024. This period also saw a 2° C increase in temperature compared to the seasonal average (IDEAM 01/2024 and 03/2024; IFRC 14/06/2024). These conditions resulted in food insecurity, water shortages and rationing, and wildfires, affecting an estimated 195,000 people, predominantly in Arauca department (OCHA 02/07/2024). In February, there were water shortages in rural areas of Casanare, where wildfires engulfed 11,091 hectares of land, significantly affecting farmers (El Tiempo 07/02/2024; Prensa Libre 05/04/2024).
In May–June, the National Unit for Disaster Management reported that flooding in the Orinoquia region had affected approximately 25,000 people (7,300 families). The floods damaged 25 roads and over 2,800 hectares of land, although specific information on land usage is not available. The departments of Arauca and Casanare bore the most impact, with each reporting around 11,000 people affected (OCHA 02/07/2024). This report focuses on river flooding – specifically floods caused by overflowing rivers – and landslides, both related to above-average increases in rainfall (WHO accessed 30/07/2024 a; WHO accessed 30/07/2024 b).
By 5 June, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies reported that flooding resulting from heavy rainfall and river overflowing had led 26 municipalities in the Orinoco hydrological zone to be on red alert for hydrological emergencies. This alert indicated an imminent threat, necessitating the mobilisation of people and equipment, interrupting communities’ daily activities. In June, the Orinoco hydrological zone had the highest number of Colombian municipalities on red alert, more than twice the number reported by the second most affected hydrological zone, the Caribbean (IDEAM 05/06/2024).