Lluvias y fuertes vientos dejan a más de 10 poblaciones de Sucre sin luz, sin agua potable y casas destechadas

Heavy rains and strong winds have left over ten communities in Sucre department without electricity, clean water, and with roofs torn off, according to local reports. The worst-hit areas include Ovejas and Buenavista, where more than 100 homes were destroyed. Sincelejo, the regional capital, has lost its water supply. The storm caused widespread damage, particularly in the regions of Sabanas, Montes de María, and central Sucre, where infrastructure was severely impacted. The weather conditions began on July 21, 2026, with continuous rainfall and powerful gusts that turned into damaging windstorms. These forces devastated multiple towns, including the rural areas of Ovejas and the border region with Magangué in Bolívar. In Ovejas, seven neighborhoods were affected, with residents describing the intensity of the storm. In the community of Canutal, farmers faced extreme hardship as their homes were nearly destroyed. Local resident Alba Luz Contreras described the scene as “horrible,” noting that trees were uprooted, power was cut, and many homes had their zinc roofs ripped away. According to Paola Tous, director of the Departmental Unit for Risk Management and Disasters, over 50 neighborhoods in each affected municipality were almost completely destroyed. The damage extended beyond residential areas, with fallen trees blocking roads and downing electrical lines, creating hazards for residents. The unit is still working to assess the full extent of the damage and the number of families affected, collaborating with organizations such as the Colombian Red Cross and the Civil Defense to provide accurate information. In Ovejas, several neighborhoods—30 de Junio, San Carlos, 4 de Octubre, 21 de Febrero, Altos del Rosario, Corea, and Ciudadela La Paz, reported damages. The situation in Buenavista mirrored that of Ovejas, with homes destroyed and debris scattered along roadsides. Tous estimated that more than 50 houses were damaged in the area, though exact figures remain uncertain. She noted that while the immediate impact is severe, there are no reports of injuries, which she attributes to the timely actions of local authorities and emergency services. Tous also highlighted that the current climate pattern is unusual, with heavy rains followed by heatwaves and droughts affecting different parts of the region. This shift poses particular risks to livestock due to water shortages. She warned that these conditions could lead to further challenges for agricultural communities already struggling with the effects of the recent storms. Residents in the affected areas continue to face difficult circumstances, with many unable to return home safely due to blocked roads and lack of basic necessities. Emergency teams are working around the clock to restore utilities and assist those displaced. The government has pledged support, but the scale of destruction suggests that recovery will take time. As the situation unfolds, officials emphasize the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in light of the changing weather patterns.