Ideam issues red alert for possible sudden rising in the next 48 hours of the Negro River near Quetame, Cundinamarca

On Friday afternoon, July 3, 2026, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (Ideam) issued a red alert warning about a possible sudden increase in water levels on the Negro River near Quetame, Cundinamarca. The alert was issued at 4 PM local time and indicated that the river’s flow had risen by 0.16 meters over the past few hours. This rise in water level has raised concerns among authorities due to the potential for significant flooding and sudden surges in the coming 48 hours.

The Negro River flows upstream of the municipality of Quetame and is monitored by the Ideam station located in Guayabetal. According to the report, this situation resembles one that occurred on June 5 of the same year when the river also experienced a notable rise in water levels. The alert comes amid ongoing heavy rainfall forecasts across much of the country, which increases the likelihood of further complications. Areas including parts of Cesar, Magdalena, Bolívar, Córdoba, Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Santander, eastern Cundinamarca, Caldas, Risaralda, Chocó, western Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Nariño, southern Huila, western Arauca, Casanare, Meta, Vichada, Guaviare, Caquetá, central-eastern Putumayo, Guainía, western Vaupés, and northern and western Amazonas are expected to experience precipitation with accumulations ranging from moderate to high levels. Additionally, the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina is forecasted to have rain throughout the day, particularly along the maritime sectors.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of following recommendations to ensure safety during these weather conditions. These include avoiding outdoor walks during intense rains, driving cautiously, not crossing flooded streets, staying away from rivers and streams that could overflow, identifying safe evacuation routes in flood-prone areas, reporting any cracks or tilts in buildings, bridges, or roads to local authorities, securing roofs and other items that might be carried away by strong winds, establishing emergency evacuation routes and meeting points, properly disposing of solid waste to avoid blockages in drains, preserving protected areas to reduce impacts from floods and stream overflows, and implementing protective measures for species of flora and fauna in potentially affected zones.

In addition to the national-level warnings from Ideam, local authorities in Quetame, Cundinamarca, have confirmed the presence of a high-risk dam formed by the convergence of the Estaquecá stream and the Negro River. This situation has prompted increased monitoring and preventive actions to mitigate the risk of a sudden surge that could affect communities downstream. The Department of Cundinamarca has deployed yellow machinery, water tankers, and technical equipment to address the emergency in five rural sectors of Quetame. As part of the response, the Unit Administrative Special for Disaster Risk Management (UAEGRD) is coordinating an integrated plan that includes the installation of a military bridge, the supply of drinking water, and continuous monitoring of slopes.

As a precautionary measure, 17 families from the Povitos settlement remain evacuated. This status will continue while technical evaluations regarding the stability of the dam and the behavior of water flows are conducted. The Direction of Disaster Risk Management in Cundinamarca maintains constant monitoring of hydro-meteorological conditions and the involved streams, in coordination with operational organizations and Municipal Councils for Disaster Risk Management. Meanwhile, the Mayor's Office of Quetame has urged the community to stay away from waterways and follow only the information released by official authorities. A temporary shelter has been set up in the Puente Quetame area to accommodate evacuated families should the emergency worsen.

Residents of Quetame and those living in municipalities downstream of the Negro and Guayuriba rivers are advised to remain attentive to official communications and comply with any preventive instructions issued by disaster management agencies. The situation remains under close watch as officials work to ensure public safety and manage the potential risks associated with the current weather patterns and environmental conditions.