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Thousands Flee Homes as El Niño Rains Swell Rivers
17 Oct
Summary
- El Niño rains have caused severe flooding in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes due to swollen rivers.
- Iconic Iguazu Falls tourist attraction has partially closed walkways due to high water.
Torrential rains, intensified by the El Niño climate phenomenon, have caused significant flooding in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The Paraná River, a major waterway originating in Brazil, has surged to dangerous levels in Argentina's Corrientes province, leading to thousands of evacuations and prompting ranchers to move their livestock to higher ground. This weather pattern, common during El Niño events, is impacting a vast region.
In Paraguay, over 2,000 residents of Ayolas have fled their homes as the Paraná River experiences its highest level in over four decades. Tourist attractions are also affected; access to the Devil's Throat cascade at Iguazu Falls has been temporarily closed due to the swollen Iguazú River. Uruguay has seen fewer evacuations but is managing rising water levels on the Uruguay River through its shared hydroelectric dam.
Forecasters anticipate continued above-average rainfall in the affected areas and the rivers' headwaters in southern Brazil through December. This sustained precipitation suggests the floodwaters may persist, posing ongoing challenges for the displaced populations and infrastructure in the region.
