The rainy season is significantly influenced by the phenomenon of "La Niña".
considerable increases are expected in the levels of rivers, landslides and avalanches.
is recommended to enable the Regional Committees and Local Emergency in the country.
The Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development and Ideam inform the community that has initiated the second rainy season in central and southern Andean region, in the Caribbean region, Antioquia, Santanderes and parts of the coffee belt, the rains have continued in recent months significantly influenced by the presence of the phenomenon "La Niña", which currently in the initial stage of maturity at temperatures between -1.3 and -1.8 º C, below average in the Tropical Pacific Ocean.
this phenomenon is expected to reach its maximum stage of development during the last quarter of 2010 (October-November-December), which means that in the Caribbean and Andean regions, are recorded rainfall above normal.
Minister Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, Beatriz Uribe Botero, said it is important to heed the warnings and alerts issued by the Ideam daily, since the increase in rainfall are associated with flooding emergencies, sudden rising and landslides.
"With the phenomenon La Nina rains are between 30% and 40% above normal and the Andean region will be the most vulnerable," said the Director General of Ideam, Ricardo José Lozano.
Significant increase in river levels
considerable increases are expected in the levels of the rivers Magdalena, Cauca, Sinu and San Jorge, and growing sudden in high gradient rivers and landslides and avalanches.
"recommend activating prevention plans and contingency, especially in the middle and lower Magdalena and Cauca rivers, foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Sinu River basin and San Jorge, in the Depression and Momposina the Mojana, as well as in the municipal high mountain, "said the Minister Beatriz Uribe Botero and the Director of Ideam, Ricardo Lozano.
The Ideam continue its ongoing monitoring of rainfall and the evolution of "La Niña" and issue permanent bulletins, reporting changes or new ocean-atmospheric conditions suggestive of a climatic event and its impact on Colombia.
relevant for the purposes of the Portfolio Holder and the Director of Ideam recommended for each of the productive sectors, economic and country risk management for consideration
To address Thunderstorms: If is in the open, try to take refuge in a building or a car, if there is nowhere near shelter, squat low to the ground and if you position yourself near trees under the low tree, never next to a large .
If you leave the pool immediately.
Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines or power lines.
Stay away from items that naturally attract lightning, such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles or camping equipment.
Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
If you are alone in a pasture or prairie and you feel your hair stands on end (which indicates that lightning is about to fall), lean forward and put hands on his knees. Recommended a position of feet together and crouching. Do not lie on the floor and remove all metal objects nearby.
Park at un lugar abierto donde no haya árboles que puedan caer sobre el vehículo.
Permanezca en el auto y ponga las luces intermitentes hasta que pase la lluvia fuerte.
Para enfrentar Inundaciones: Revise, ajuste, cambie o limpie los techos, canales y canaletas para evitar inundaciones en las viviendas.
No construya, ni compre, ni alquile edificaciones en zonas tradicionalmente inundables como pueden ser algunas riberas de ríos y quebradas, sus antiguos lechos y las llanuras o valles de inundación.
No desvíe ni tapone caños o desagües, por el contrario, construya y proporcione mantenimiento o desagües firmes.
Evite que el riverbed is filled with sediment, logs or materials that prevent the free passage of water.
If it can be affected by flooding slow, keep valuables in high places that will not cover the water.
also disconnect power to prevent short shots. Learn about the plans established by the Emergency Committee of the municipality. Has provided a safe place to stay in case of flooding. Make all the preparations you need to leave home for a few days during the flood. If you notice damming
warn your neighbors and the Emergency Committee of the municipality in the City Hall, Civil Defence, Red Cross or the Health Service. A decrease in river flow may mean that upstream is forming a dam, which may lead to a possible flash flood.
Know the alarm set by the Emergency Committee of the municipality. If it does not exist, agreed with its neighbors a system with whistles or bells to warn everyone to recognize in your neighborhood in imminent danger of flooding. Sector
water for the population: Consider can cause torrential rains in mountainous areas that may affect the water supply intakes, so it is recommended preventive maintenance in these areas, and be prepared to supply in municipalities with tank cars that could run out of supply due to the impairment of water quality or destruction of their infrastructure.
agricultural and forestry sector vulnerable riparian lands should be protected with guardrails natural or artificial (vegetation, sand bags, etc.) For which it is necessary to seek further advice.
is recommended to all farmers and ranchers of the country, especially those located in the Caribbean and Andean regions, taking into account the increase in water supply and increased the probability of flooding in areas of low drainage.
Schedule and as appropriate to prevent the development of pests and diseases attacking the agricultural and livestock sector due to increased rainfall and low radiation in much of the Caribbean and Andean regions.
is recommended to watch in high gradient rivers in the Andean region and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta against the possibility of sudden rising and flooding likely to slow in the middle and lower basins of rivers Magdalena Cauca, Sinu and San Jorge, among others.
A farmers are advised to be careful with the animals that come into contact with sewage or retained by the rainy season they may be infected with diseases and not to neglect the animals when they are near rivers because of the growing presence of possible sudden. Health Sector
Consider that the current generated hydroclimatic conditions in some regions, increased respiratory viral diseases.
trash is recommended not to accumulate inside or outside the dwelling place, set it aside in high places where they lie outside the area from flooding and keep lids on tanks where it is located, in order to avoid accumulation of water that can multiply development vector.
hydropower sector
Consider the likelihood of increased rainfall and thunderstorms that may affect the electric grid.
National Disaster Prevention and Response and the National Environmental System.
For Regional and Local Committees on the Prevention and Attention of Disasters, it is recommended Active Prevention and Contingency Plans for floods and be attentive to the recommendations of the System technical agencies can issue at one point.
Housing and Infrastructure Sector: Consider hydroclimatic conditions current generated landslides, floods and high winds in areas of medium and high risk of the Caribbean and Andean region, affecting roads, bridges, houses and water systems located in these areas.
recommended territorial authorities to redouble efforts in the maintenance of sewerage systems and management of rainfall due to the increased risk of flooding, landslides or swept away or solid waste materials, especially in large urban centers.
In high-risk homes by landslides, floods and high winds, it is recommended to reduce their vulnerability by building structures, canal maintenance, water management and repair of roofs. Increase
permanent monitoring in high risk areas and activate contingency plans and know very well the evacuation protocols.
Perform maintenance of bridges, main roads and village roads in terms of sewage and stormwater pipe to avoid damaging them.
not forget that October is one of the months, historically the wettest year, and current river levels are at levels high above normal for this time.
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