The students from the Specialization in Water Resources Engineering at the University of Cauca conducted a technical visit to the Las Ceibas River in Huila, where they focused on topics related to the natural threat of debris flows and torrential floods in this river located in the municipality of Neiva.

Between May 30th and June 1st, a group of 25 students coordinated by professors Carlos Gallardo, Felipe Agredo, and Andrea Bolaños conducted a comprehensive technical visit to the Huila department. During this experience, the students had the opportunity to visit various hydraulic works and receive guidance from constructors and related entities.

This visit helped strengthen ties between academia, regional entities, and multinational companies involved in engineering solutions development. Additionally, it allowed students to gain insight into the professional field related to basic studies and detailed risk assessments. Furthermore, this experience led to the proposal of an elective course (currently under evaluation by the Faculty Council of Civil Engineering) led by Professor Felipe Agredo from the Hydraulic Department. This elective will focus on acquiring skills for developing maps and modeling geological threats such as mass movement and floods, incorporating variability and climate change in uncontrolled and data-scarce basins.

It's important to mention that, with the purpose of preventing emergencies and reducing the risk of disasters in both rural and urban areas of Neiva, the Corporación Autónoma Regional del Alto Magdalena (CAM) constructed and put into operation three debris flow containment nets in the middle and upper parts of the Las Ceibas river basin. These large nets, made of high-strength steel, are designed to dissipate the energy of the flow and to stop materials or debris carried by natural phenomena such as flash floods.

"The objective of constructing and installing these nets in the Las Ceibas river is to retain debris that is transported during flash floods, as debris comprises approximately 60% of the flow during these sudden increases in river volume. These dynamic barriers also act as structural support and complement the river canalization works in the urban area," explained Javier Cardoso Gutiérrez, coordinator of the Ceibas Project at CAM.

Therefore, this academic experience not only strengthened the ties between academia and the business sector but also allowed students to firsthand learn about different ways to prevent environmental risks. This learning is undoubtedly highly relevant given the current times, considering climate change and the challenges it presents. Hence, from this excellent and supportive university, we emphasize the importance of conducting such academic activities. Stepping out of classrooms and experiencing these situations practically significantly enhances learning.