Authorities declared an emergency in the municipality of Andes, Antioquia, following intense rains that triggered risks of flash floods and landslides.

The situation threatens residential stability and critical infrastructure in the region. Persistent precipitation has saturated the soil, increasing the likelihood of sudden mudslides that could isolate the community or cause significant casualties.

The Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales (Ideam) reported that the area experienced accumulated precipitation of up to 150 mm within a 24-hour period [1]. Forecasters expect further rainfall between 100 and 200 mm over the following 72 hours [2].

"The intense precipitation will continue in the coming days, so it is indispensable to maintain high vigilance in the municipalities at risk," Juan Carlos García, director of Ideam, said.

Local officials are coordinating with the regional government to manage the crisis. María Fernanda López, mayor of Andes, said the administration is working with the governor's office and Ideam to evacuate families in vulnerable zones, and reinforce critical points along the main road.

While Ideam has labeled the situation as high risk, the response has not been without friction. Some local authorities have minimized the gravity of the situation, suggesting the emergency declaration is being used for political purposes.

Carlos Carillo, director of the UNGRD, said the political use of the emergency is unacceptable and that the priority must remain the protection of the population and risk management.

The regional scale of the weather crisis is evident in neighboring areas. For example, more than 500 families were affected by intense rains in the nearby municipality of El Bagre [3].

“The intense precipitation will continue in the coming days, so it is indispensable to maintain high vigilance.”

The tension between technical warnings from Ideam and the political interpretations of local officials highlights a recurring challenge in Colombian disaster management. When meteorological data, such as the 150 mm rainfall peak, clashes with local administrative narratives, the delay in consensus can slow evacuation efforts and jeopardize public safety in high-risk landslide zones.