The heavy rains have intensified in certain areas, including Calle 5 and Avenida de Los Cerros.
Jairo Blandón, a radio operator from the Cali Fire Department, summarized the emergencies addressed due to the recent rainfall in the city.
In total, there were 8 instances of fallen trees on public roads, with no injuries reported. Additionally, there were six short circuits caused by contact with trees, and two floods were managed with preventive measures, which included assistance to protect the belongings of residents in affected homes.
In Cali, it rained again after several weeks of a heat wave; however, the rainfall was quite strong, and some areas of the city reported minor flooding. Tell us how your area is faring 👇 pic.twitter.com/zULeTRH5fn
— El País Cali 📰 (@elpaiscali) September 28, 2024
“We urge citizens to avoid traveling during such rain and to drive at moderate speeds if necessary, to prevent accidents,” Blandón emphasized.
The heavy downpours have caused significant issues, particularly around Carrera 80 pipe near San Andresito del Sur, where the waters overflowed, as well as prolonged flooding on Carrera 66.
The Ministry of Mobility has advised drivers to exercise caution while driving in the city, as the rainfall has been particularly heavy near Unicentro, and streets in Avenida de los Cerros near Siloé are quite flooded.
Although there are currently no major damages reported, social media outlets have highlighted damage caused by the rain to an apartment in the Petula Building located in the Limonar neighborhood, where a family has begun to move their belongings as the rain damaged their apartment’s roof.
Members of the SIC Support Network have reported ongoing rain in areas such as Los Chorros, Alto Nápoles, Comfandi El Prado, Valle del Lili, El Caney, Villa del Lago, Ciudad Córdoba-Morichal, and Decepaz.
While there is a light drizzle in Junin, dark clouds observed in Villa del Prado indicate that rain may be approaching, and Salomia is experiencing moderate rainfall.
After several weeks of intense heat, the rain has been felt strongly, causing canals to overflow and impacting local infrastructure.
To date, only one traffic accident has been reported at the intersection of Carrera 5 and Calle 52, which is being attended to by the Cali Fire Department.
Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Cali
In recent weeks, the city of Cali has experienced substantial rainfall, particularly affecting areas such as Calle 5 and Avenida de Los Cerros. These heavy downpours have led to various emergencies, with significant impacts on local infrastructure and community safety.
Emergencies Responded to by the Cali Fire Department
Radio operator Jairo Blandón from the Cali Fire Department reported a series of emergencies necessitated by the heavy rains:
- Eight tree falls on public roads, fortunately with no injuries reported.
- Six short circuits resulting from tree contacts.
- Two floods, where preventive work was implemented to safeguard communities and save belongings of residents in affected homes.
In the aftermath of these heavy rains, the need for community awareness and safety precautions has become more critical than ever. Residents are advised to travel very cautiously during such weather conditions. “A call is made to citizens so that when this type of rain occurs, they avoid traveling and if necessary do so at moderate speed, to avoid accidents,” stressed Blandón.
Areas Most Affected by the Rain
Particular zones in Cali saw more severe flooding, including:
- Carrera 80: Reports indicated that the pipe in this area overflowed close to San Andresito del Sur.
- Carrera 66: Prolonged flooding was observed, prompting concerns among residents.
- Avenida de los Cerros: Major street flooding was reported, especially near Siloam, raising traffic concerns.
Social media has played a significant role in relaying immediate updates about conditions. Videos and images depict severe flooding in multiple areas, like the Petula Building in Limonar, where residents faced potential property damage due to compromised roofing.
Weather Conditions and Community Observations
As heavy rainfall continues to affect sectors like Los Chorros, Alto Nápoles, and Valle del Lili, community members have reported varying conditions:
| Sector | Current Condition | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Junin | Light drizzle | Conditions stable, minimal flooding. |
| Villa del Prado | Impending heavy rain | Dark clouds observed, community on alert. |
| Salomia | Moderate rainfall | Street conditions manageable. |
Traffic Safety and Recommendations
The Ministry of Mobility has urged drivers to exercise extreme caution while navigating through the city during the deluge. Key advice includes:
- Drive at reduced speeds to maintain control.
- Avoid flooded areas and seek alternate routes if possible.
- Be aware of potential roadblocks caused by fallen trees or power outages.
Currently, only one traffic accident has been reported on Carrera 5 and Calle 52, which the Cali Fire Department is addressing.
Social Networks and Community Feedback
Social media platforms have become vital for sharing real-time updates regarding flooding and safety tips. Residents are encouraged to report conditions and assist each other in preparing for potential emergencies. One such call to action was shared by El País Cali, urging community members to share their experiences of how their sectors fared during the rain.
In Cali it rained again after several weeks of heat wave, however, the rainfall came with force and in some sectors of the city slight flooding was reported. Tell us how your sector is doing 👇 pic.twitter.com/zULeTRH5fn
— El País Cali 📰 (@elpaiscali) September 28, 2024
Community Preparedness and Future Steps
With the city continuously facing unpredictable weather patterns, preparedness remains crucial. Here are some proactive steps for residents:
Benefits of Proactive Preparation
- Reduction of Damage: Taking preventative measures can minimize risks to properties.
- Increased Community Safety: Establishing communication channels and safety guidelines can protect residents.
- Better Emergency Response: Prepared communities can respond more effectively to crises.
In summary, as Cali continues to experience these heavy rainfalls, staying informed and prepared is vital for ensuring safety and minimizing the impact on the community. Residents should maintain awareness of local reports and adhere closely to guidelines set out by authorities while also supporting one another through these challenging conditions.