Santa Marta is going through one of the most severe winter emergencies of recent months. In the early hours of Feb. 3, 2026, a mother and her son lost their lives after their home collapsed due to the heavy rains in Santa Marta, Colombia, that have battered the city for more than 36 continuous hours. The situation has led authorities to declare a red alert due to the risk of new landslides, flooding, and coastal impacts from rough seas.
The incident occurred in vulnerable hillside areas, where soil saturation and ground instability caused several structures to collapse. According to official reports, at least three homes were completely destroyed, and another 94 were flooded in different parts of the city.
Heavy rains and neighborhoods at risk in Santa Marta, Colombia
According to data from the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), nearly 78.5 liters of rain per square meter were recorded in just a few hours — a volume that exceeded the capacity of the urban drainage system. Persistent rainfall has triggered runoff, landslides, and water accumulation in highly vulnerable neighborhoods.
Santa Marta’s Office for Risk Management and Climate Change confirmed that 21 neighborhoods are directly affected, especially in hillside areas and zones with a history of mass movements. Sectors such as the Tayrona neighborhood remain under special monitoring due to the possibility of further landslides.
@opinioncaribe #ÚltimaHora Continúa la emergencia en Santa Marta: Zarabanda La emergencia persiste en Santa Marta. A esta hora, el sector Zarabanda, en Gaira, continúa afectado por las lluvias, con reportes de afectaciones a la comunidad. Las autoridades mantienen el monitoreo y la atención en esta zona de alto riesgo. #SOSsantamarta #SantaMarta #Emergencia ♬ sonido original – Opinión Caribe®
Municipal authorities activated a Level 2 Emergency under the Municipal Emergency Response Strategy (EMRE), which involves the deployment of emergency agencies, structural assessments of homes, and humanitarian assistance for affected families.
Other emergencies: rough seas and maritime crisis
The rainfall emergency has been worsened by strong, rough seas hitting Santa Marta’s coastline. At Los Cocos beach, a cargo ship ran aground due to high waves, which in recent hours have exceeded 3 to 4 meters in height. The conditions are linked to the arrival of a cold front and the rainy season affecting the Caribbean.
In addition to the ship, several boats have been stranded or run aground on beaches such as Los Cocos and El Rodadero, some with structural damage. In response, the Port Authority ordered a sailing restriction for tourist and fishing vessels until further notice, while maintaining constant monitoring in the bay.
Local authorities have urged residents not to enter the sea and to stay away from breaking wave zones. Boat trips to Playa Blanca and other nearby destinations have also been temporarily suspended, causing economic losses for fishermen and tourism operators.
@samarianboat Barco encallado en Santa Marta! Debido al frente frío que afecta al Caribe colombiano, en la noche de este lunes El Fuerte oleaje desplazó a un Buque (varadura), llevándolo hasta la orilla en la bahía de Santa Marta, Playa los Cocos.
Collapsed infrastructure and prevention warnings
Partial collapse of the stormwater system and sewer failures have intensified urban flooding, with streets submerged and homes affected in low-lying areas. Firefighters, civil defense, and Red Cross teams are working on debris removal, damage assessments, and assistance for families who lost everything.
District officials reiterated calls to avoid high-risk areas, not remain in homes with cracks or severe leaks, and to report any signs of landslides, such as unusual ground noises. As rains continue, Santa Marta faces a multi-layered emergency where winter conditions, fragile soil, and rough seas create a scenario of high vulnerability