Ideam issues red alert for potential flash flood on Negro River near Quetame

Colombia's Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) has issued a red alert for 24 sub-basins across the country due to the risk of floods and flash floods. Specifically, a red alert was declared on the afternoon of Friday, July 3, 2026, concerning a potential significant increase in the water level of the Negro River. This river is located upstream of the municipality of Quetame in Cundinamarca and is monitored by Ideam's station in Guayabetal. Recent reports indicate that the river's water level has already risen by 0.16 meters in the past few hours. Ideam forecasts a significant flash flood within the next 48 hours on the Negro River, upstream of Quetame. This could lead to rising water levels and the transport of debris, a situation reminiscent of an event that occurred on June 5, 2026. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.