Montería, Córdoba, February 9, 2026 — Torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding across the department of Córdoba, impacting roughly 43,000 families and causing damage in 80% of its municipalities, according to government reports. The relentless downpour has left a trail of devastation, with heartbreaking images emerging of residents grappling with rising waters inside their homes.
Families Forced From Homes as Córdoba Floods Worsen
The severe weather event has displaced thousands and overwhelmed local infrastructure.
- Flooding has affected approximately 43,000 families in Córdoba.
- Damage spans 80% of the department’s municipalities.
- Residents are being evacuated with the help of authorities and community support.
- Many have lost essential belongings, including furniture and appliances.
Among those impacted is Melanie Wanke, a 28-year-old journalist from Montería. Wanke, her husband, and their cat were forced to evacuate their home in the Vallejo neighborhood as floodwaters rose to 40 centimeters inside the house. “We know that material things can be recovered and that thank God we have a job, we have savings and our neighborhood is middle class,” Wanke shared, visibly emotional. “There is not a situation as critical as other people in other neighborhoods, but it is very sad to see the house and everything that one bought with so much effort under water.”
Authorities had issued warnings days prior, allowing Wanke and many others to evacuate before the situation became dire. Friends have generously offered their homes as temporary shelter. Despite the warning, the sheer volume of water was unexpected, leading to the loss of beds, closets, tables, and chairs.
Days after the initial flooding, Wanke and her husband were able to return and salvage what they could, including a refrigerator, clothing, a washing machine, a sofa, and televisions. The scenes unfolding across Córdoba are described as “heartbreaking and sad,” with residents evacuating their homes on foot and by motorcycle, finding strength in community spirit.
However, the situation remains dire for many who lack the resources to find new housing or replace lost possessions. Transportation in Montería has been severely disrupted, with roads described as “collapsed” and access “difficult.”
What kind of support is available to those affected by the floods? Authorities are coordinating relief efforts, but the scale of the disaster is presenting significant challenges.
