The cleanup of the El Bajo canal, announced by the Turbaco Mayor’s Office on October 27, 2026, included removing mattresses, televisions, refrigerator shells, and washing machines that were blocking the channel. The work aimed to improve water flow and reduce the risk of further flooding.
The work was part of the municipal response during the late-October rains. A day earlier, the preliminary emergency report had put the number of affected families at more than 250 in six areas of Turbaco.
Bulky waste inside the canal
According to the municipal administration, crews had been working since the Sunday before the announcement. The removal of large objects focused on restoring water flow, which had been hampered by the buildup of solid waste.
The Mayor’s Office attributed some of the blockages to the improper disposal of furniture and appliances in the canal. It also asked residents to avoid dumping waste in these spaces and to report those practices.
The stated purpose was preventive: to reduce water backups and mitigate the impact of rainfall on nearby homes. The work in the channel accompanied the assessment and assistance efforts deployed by authorities in the affected communities.
Six areas hit by the rains
The October 26 report identified damage in Fátima, Villa Maira, La Canalita, Altos de Plan Parejo, Calle Cuarta in El Recreo, and Calle San Pablo in the El Bajo area.
In El Bajo, there was roof damage, loss of appliances, and damage to household belongings. Overflowing streams and overwhelmed drainage canals were among the conditions described during the emergency.
The Municipal Risk Management Unit, the Government Secretariat, Civil Defense, and the Fire Department took part in visits to assess damage, identify needs, and move forward with the census of those affected.
Mayor Claudia Espinosa Puello requested support from the departmental and national governments to assist the families.
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