Cartagena is on maximum alert due to a swell phenomenon that has forced the total paralysis of its tourist activities on the coast.

Given the dangerous increase in wave height and hurricane winds caused by a cold front in the Caribbean, Mayor Dumek Turbay issued decree 0034 of 2026, ordering the preventive closure of all urban, rural and island beaches in the city from this Monday, February 2 until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4.

The emergency is already leaving visible havoc on the city’s infrastructure. The Risk Management Office reported attention to 12 roof blasts and the fall of 16 trees in different neighborhoods.

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On Santander Avenue, the strong swell has caused overflows that forced cleaning crews to collect more than four tons of sediment, plastic and sand that the ocean threw onto the main road, seriously affecting mobility towards the Historic Center.

According to Dimar, this atypical phenomenon generates rip currents that represent a deadly risk for bathers and small boats.

Teremar Londoño, Secretary of Tourism, called for understanding, emphasizing that the measure seeks to safeguard life above economic activity.

The effects of the swell and coastal overflow are expected to extend throughout the week, so technical authorities maintain constant monitoring before allowing entry into the water again.

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