Breaking: Colombia Floods Worsen Amidst Dam Concerns, Death Toll Rises
BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA – Urgent warnings have been issued as relentless rainfall continues to inundate large swathes of Colombia, with the national death toll now exceeding 44 as of February 11, 2026. The crisis has been exacerbated by concerns over the management of hydroelectric dams, with authorities investigating whether their operations have worsened the widespread flooding.
The persistent heavy rainfall, which began on January 26, 2026, has resulted in devastating consequences across 16 departments. Authorities report that approximately 72,000 families have been affected, with 12,000 homes damaged and 4,000 destroyed. The Córdoba department is particularly hard-hit, with over 50,000 families affected by severe flooding along the Sinú River. In Montería, the capital of Córdoba, river levels surpassed 5 meters, prompting immediate preventive evacuations in 13 neighborhoods.
President Gustavo Petro has ordered an immediate investigation into the role of major dams, including Urrá and Hidroituango, in exacerbating the floods in regions such as Córdoba, Chocó, Sucre, and Bolívar. Reports indicate that the Urrá reservoir has been operating above its overflow level, contributing to elevated river stages. Petro has specifically criticized the Urrá dam’s management, stating it operated above permitted levels for 27% of the last two months and released excessive amounts of water. “There was an abundance of water and now they are releasing it for free in an exaggerated way,” the president stated, questioning the energy sector’s strategy amid warnings of scarcity.
The Hidroituango dam, Colombia’s largest hydroelectric project, faced a near-catastrophic failure in May 2018 due to complex geological conditions and construction issues, leading to the evacuation of over 25,000 people. While the dam was not the direct cause of the current widespread flooding, its history highlights the potential risks associated with large-scale water infrastructure in the region.
Emergency response teams are on high alert as additional rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) is coordinating relief efforts, but the scale of the disaster presents immense challenges. The government is considering declaring an economic emergency to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
This developing story is a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, compounded by the complexities of managing critical infrastructure like dams in a changing climate. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
**Emergency Contact:**
For immediate assistance or to report emergencies related to the floods, please contact Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) at [Note: Specific emergency contact numbers were not provided in the available data. It is recommended to consult local authorities or official government websites for up-to-date contact information.]
**Social Media Verification Status:**
Information regarding the flood situation is being disseminated across various social media platforms. Users are advised to rely on official government channels and reputable news sources for verified updates.
**Developing Story:** This is a developing story, and further details will be reported as they become available.
