13 Oct 2022 | 08:08 AM UTC
Argentina: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of northern Misiones Province as of Oct. 13
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of northern Misiones Province, Argentina, as of Oct. 13. Evacuations and closures ongoing.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across northern parts of Misiones Province as of Oct. 13. Heavy rainfall and the release of water from dams upstream in Brazil have led to rising river levels in the Iguazu and Uruguay rivers in recent days. Authorities have evacuated at least six families in the Union and Chivilcoy neighborhoods of El Soberbio due to rising water levels. Raft crossings between El Soberbio and Porto Soberbo in Brazil have also been suspended since Oct. 12 due to the swelling rivers and water supply has been cut to some parts of the region due to the floods. The Iguazu National Park has been evacuated and closed until further notice due to the overflowing Iguazu River. The park is home to waterfalls which are a popular tourist attraction.
As of Oct. 13, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across northern parts of Misiones Province. The storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and occasional hail. Rainfall totals of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) are possible across the affected area, with localized heavier amounts.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
