Colombia's Petro cancels Munich trip as floods devastate Cordoba

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called off his attendance at the Munich Security Conference as his government grapples with a severe weather emergency unfolding in the country's north. The decision, announced Wednesday, prioritizes domestic crisis management over international diplomacy as unprecedented rainfall triggers widespread flooding.

Humanitarian crisis in Cordoba

The northern department of Cordoba has borne the brunt of the disaster, with officials reporting approximately 156,000 residents affected and nearly 80 percent of the territory remaining under water. The February rainfall has shattered all historical records, catching communities unprepared for the scale and intensity of the inundation. Petro took to social media to reassure affected citizens: "You are not alone, and we will never leave you alone." His message sought to counter growing anxiety among displaced families facing an uncertain recovery.

Full government mobilization

"The entire national government continues to address the emergency in Cordoba," Petro stated, emphasizing that no institutional resource is being spared in the relief effort. The crisis has exposed Colombia's vulnerability to extreme weather events linked to broader climate instability, with scientists warning that such atypical precipitation patterns may become more frequent. Response teams are working around the clock to deliver humanitarian assistance, evacuate stranded residents, and assess the extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and farmland.

Leadership tested at home

Petro's decision to cancel his European engagement underscores a defining moment for his administration. While the Munich Security Forum offers a prestigious platform to project Colombia's voice on global security matters, the president has chosen to demonstrate leadership through presence on the ground rather than on the international stage. The move is likely to resonate with domestic audiences who expect their leader to prioritize national suffering over diplomatic visibility.