In the morning hours of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Statistics (Ideam) gave a new special report on the course of tropical storm Rafael, in which it was stated that the climate phenomenon is moving towards the northwest. of the Colombian Caribbean Sea, heading towards the islands of Jamaica and Cuba.
The previous report indicated that the storm was intensifying and could become a hurricane, as also reported by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). And although this warning is still in effect, it was found that the cyclone is already taking distance from the soil of the coast of Colombia.
“Tropical Storm Rafael is moving towards the northwest, moving away from the country, with a high probability of reaching hurricane status tonight or Wednesday morning,” Ideam reported. However, the rain would not stop in the hardest hit sections of the heavy rain in the first week of November, so the warning alert – known as a yellow alert – is still in place.
“Therefore, it is likely that rain will still occur in the Caribbean maritime zone of Colombia, the sectors of La Guajira and the San Andrés archipelago. Taking into account the forecast of weather and sea conditions, A WARNING alert is established in the eastern zone (La Guajira), the insular area (San Andrés Archipelago, Providencia and Santa Catalina), the central and western zone (including the coast of Magdalena, Atlantico, Bolívar, Sucre, Córdoba and the Gulf of Urabá )”, the institute’s experts considered.
There were days of intense rain from the last days of October 2024 and in the first 5 days of November after that. In cities such as Santa Marta and Cartagena, heavy rain and winds were reported that caused flooding and some damage.
According to reports from the authorities, on Friday, November 1, the phenomenon, known as AL69, was a tropical disturbance that intensified until it reached tropical storm level 18.
With this publication, President Gustavo Petro referred to the emergency on the northern coast of Colombia caused by tropical storm Rafael – credit @petrogustavo/XIt was even said that the rainy season left the greatest impact on the Caribbean coast of Colombia with winds of up to 95 kilometers per hour, as Ideam was reporting from the technical table that it integrated with Ungrd, Dimar, the Air Force and Civil Aeronautics, in the context of the hurricane season that occurs in the region.
According to the reports he compiled Radio Blue, In La Guajira alone, which would be the most affected area, more than 6,000 families were affected by the overflow of several streams that took several streets in Maicao.
In Cartagena there were also serious problems with more than 7,000 families in 70 neighborhoods. The authorities even had to come to help the residents. Pipes and the plumbing system overflowed.
El Rodadero, a popular tourist area in Santa Marta, Colombia, faces restrictions due to the overflow of the sea, which has flooded beach areas. The Mayor’s Office in the capital Magdalena, in fact, decided to temporarily close the Special Protection Areas and limit access to smaller boats to guarantee the safety of visitors and residents.
The rain buried several vehicles and damaged houses in Santa Marta – credit Office of the Mayor of Santa MartaThe phenomenon happened during the Monday holiday, a day when a high influx of tourists was expected. Local authorities took preventive measures in response to the bad weather that affected the region, trying to avoid any incident that could endanger people who go to these beaches.
In the meantime, the authorities indicate that “although a significant reduction in the impact of the winds and anomalous waves from the south-west, and the rough seas, is expected on the central and southern coastal sector, this condition is expected to continue, but with a lower frequency i. these sectors”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Meteorologist Dr. Alicia Moreno
Time.news Editor (TE): Good afternoon, Dr. Moreno. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments regarding Tropical Storm Rafael. It’s certainly been a tumultuous time for Colombia’s northern coast.
Dr. Alicia Moreno (AM): Good afternoon, thank you for having me. It has indeed been challenging for many communities in that region, but there is hope as the storm is moving away.
TE: Yes, Ideam has reported that Rafael is moving northwest toward Jamaica and Cuba. What can you tell us about the storm’s current trajectory and intensity?
AM: As of November 5, 2024, Rafael is showing signs of strengthening and could potentially reach hurricane status. While it’s good news that it’s moving away from Colombia, it still poses a threat as it approaches other areas. The National Hurricane Center’s warnings emphasize that this intensification could happen very soon.
TE: That’s concerning. While the storm is moving away, the heavy rains in Colombia haven’t stopped, right? What areas are most at risk?
AM: Exactly. The yellow alert remains in place primarily for the Caribbean maritime zones, particularly La Guajira and the San Andrés Archipelago. These areas experienced intense rainfall recently, and with streams overflowing, localized flooding remains a significant concern.
TE: Speaking of flooding, we’ve seen reports of severe impact in urban areas like Santa Marta and Cartagena, correct?
AM: Yes, reports indicate that over 7,000 families in Cartagena alone have been affected. The infrastructure struggles to manage the excess water, resulting in overwhelming sewage systems and flooding in many neighborhoods. La Guajira has also seen extensive damage, with more than 6,000 families impacted by the overflow of streams in Maicao.
TE: Given the context of rising storm intensity and heavy rainfall, could you explain how climate change plays a role in these extreme weather events?
AM: Certainly. Climate change is contributing to more volatile weather patterns, leading to more intense storms and unpredictable rainfall. Warmer ocean temperatures can fuel storms, increasing their intensity and the potential for them to cause significant damage. This trend poses greater risks for communities, especially those in vulnerable coastal regions like Colombia.
TE: It sounds like we need to be proactive in addressing these issues. What kinds of measures should be taken to mitigate the impacts of such storms in the future?
AM: Mitigation strategies can include improving infrastructure to handle heavy rainfall, investing in better drainage systems, and implementing early warning systems for storms. Moreover, education on emergency preparedness is crucial so that communities can respond effectively when faced with such climate-related challenges.
TE: It’s clear that a holistic approach is essential. As we look ahead, what are key points to keep an eye on regarding Tropical Storm Rafael?
AM: First, we should monitor its potential development into a hurricane and its changes in trajectory. Second, the rainfall patterns in Colombia are still critical to watch. local authorities will need to remain vigilant and prepared for possible evacuations or aid, particularly in the areas already heavily affected by previous weather events.
TE: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Moreno. Keeping informed on such critical weather phenomena is vital for both policymakers and communities. We look forward to continuing to follow this story.
AM: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for the safety and resilience of all those affected by this storm.