The authorities in Bogotá issued a series of recommendations to prevent flooding and flooding during the current rainy season, according to information obtained by Semanagiven the increase in rainfall in different regions of the country.
The District warned that one of the main causes of these events is the obstruction of the sewage system by solid waste., according to that mediawhich aggravates the impact of rains in urban areas.
The entities insisted that prevention depends on both citizen actions and the institutional maintenance of the infrastructure.in a context of intense weather conditions.
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One of the main recommendations delivered by the District Habitat Secretariat focuses on the proper management of solid waste, since these are usually responsible for blocking the urban drainage system. The accumulation of garbage in streets and sewers prevents the normal flow of rainwater, which generates flooding and puddles that affect both mobility and homes.
In this sense, the authorities stressed the importance of not blocking the drains with debris, bags or any object that obstructs the passage of water. These structures fulfill a fundamental function in the drainage system, so their correct functioning depends largely on citizen behavior. Blockage of these critical points can cause water to pool rapidly during heavy rain.
Likewise, it was insisted on respecting the schedules established by the cleaning operators to take out the garbage, preventing waste from remaining on public roads and being carried away by the water. These types of practices, although they seem minor, have a direct impact on the ability of sewage networks to evacuate water efficiently.
Another relevant aspect is the disposal of liquid waste such as fats and oils. The authorities warned that these should not be poured through the dishwasher, since when they solidify in the pipes they generate blockages that affect the operation of the system. This type of accumulation can go unnoticed under normal conditions, but becomes a critical problem during heavy rainy seasons.
In addition, it was recommended to avoid throwing items such as wet wipes, diapers, sanitary towels or condoms into the toilet, since these materials do not degrade easily and can cause blockages in the sewage networks. Instead, they must be deposited in appropriate bins for final disposal.
Beyond waste management, authorities also emphasized the measures that citizens can adopt within their homes to reduce the risk of flooding. Among these is the periodic review of basement pumping systems and verification of the condition of inspection boxes, key elements to avoid water accumulation in residential structures.
It was also recommended that, when cleaning in front of homes, waste be collected and deposited in closed bags, avoiding leaving it near drains. This action helps keep drainage paths clear and reduces the risk of blockages during times of heavy rain.
For its part, the Bogotá Aqueduct and Sewer Company pointed out that waste such as papers, wrappings and small garbage can accumulate in the networks, generating blockages that lead to flooding. These types of elements, although they seem harmless, become a risk factor when they accumulate in large quantities.
However, the authorities also clarified that flooding does not depend solely on citizen behavior. Factors such as the intensity of rainfall, geographical conditions and infrastructure capacity significantly influence the occurrence of these events. Therefore, prevention requires a combination of individual actions and institutional measures.
In this context, the District reiterated that small daily actions can make an important difference in risk reduction, but also emphasized the responsibility of authorities in maintaining drainage networks and urban infrastructure. The articulation between citizens and institutions is presented as a key element to face the effects of the rainy season.
The final call is for co-responsibility, in a scenario in which rainfall will continue and could intensify, which requires greater preparation to prevent preventable situations from becoming emergencies that affect the lives and well-being of citizens.
