Severe rainfall in June 2025 has caused landslides and major flooding in Colombia and Venezuela, with the Antioquia region of Colombia particularly hard-hit, recording at least 27 deaths.
Underlying Causes
According to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network, the disaster’s severity has been amplified by unplanned urban expansion, deforestation, and unsustainable land use, which have left the region more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Why This Event Turned Deadly
While the rainfall itself was not statistically classified as “extreme”, it fell on land already saturated from earlier rains, making floods and landslides far more likely. Researchers have yet to draw direct conclusions about climate change impacts, citing a lack of long-term regional data.
Call for Action
Experts are urging increased investment in climate science and urban planning that accounts for environmental risks to help communities adapt to changing weather patterns in the future.
Source: Mongabay
