Alba Posse activates crisis committee as River Uruguay flood forces border closure

The River Uruguay rose to 8.40 m on Tuesday, prompting the municipality of Alba Posse in Argentina to activate a crisis committee. Mayor Lucas Gerhardt warned that the rapid increase, driven by heavy rains upstream in southern Brazil, has already forced the shutdown of the international ferry crossing to Porto Mauá, which normally handles 60‑70 vehicles and 20‑25 trucks daily.

The committee includes the Argentine Naval Prefecture, National Gendarmerie, local police, civil protection and community groups. Evacuation would be considered if water reaches 13‑13.5 m, potentially affecting 400‑500 residents in the town and nearby riverside settlements. The municipality has identified shelters such as the council hall, churches and a school, and has transport resources ready for relocations.

The closure disrupts daily cross‑border trade and travel between Argentina and Brazil, affecting both commuters and commercial traffic.