Iguazú Falls closed as the river’s flow tops 12,000 cubic metres per second

Iguazú Falls, a natural wonder in northeastern Argentina, were shut down on Monday due to escalating flood warnings. The river's flow exceeded 12,000 cubic metres per second, six times its usual rate, prompting authorities to restrict access to the tourist circuit. This decision was made following forecasts of additional rainfall, attributed to the El Niño phenomenon.

The Iguazú National Park administration and the operator of the tourist circuit made the closure a precautionary measure, as the upstream dam releases were not decreasing. Park director José María Hervás explained that the recurring rains were the primary cause for the temporary restrictions. The park has faced similar closures in 2023 and 2024 during another El Niño episode, which damaged walkways in the Devil's Throat section.

Meteorologists worldwide have expressed concern that this year's El Niño could be the strongest ever recorded. The current event has already led to excess rainfall in Argentina, surpassing the average for strong El Niño years. The National Meteorological Service predicts that rainfall will increase, particularly during the austral summer and autumn, which fall in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Paraná River's flow was reported to be 37 percent above historical averages in September and 40 percent higher in October. This surge in water levels has also prompted evacuations of residents living near the Uruguay River in several Argentine provinces.