Chaco Province Deploys New Rescue Boats Ahead of El Niño Flood Risks

The Chaco provincial government has acquired three new canobotes to strengthen its civil defense response to anticipated flooding from the El Niño phenomenon. Two boats will be stationed in the vulnerable Comandancia Frías area and the third at the main Defense Civil base, allowing rapid transport of people and supplies when roads become impassable. Two rapid‑response squads are being formed, each equipped with a vehicle, a canobote, specialized tools and protective gear for brigade members. The province coordinates the effort with six neighboring provinces, the Federal Emergency Agency and the National Meteorological Service.

Separately, the provincial Water Administration (APA) used drones to detect illegal blockages in the Río Muerto‑Las Colonias relief canal. The agency filed a legal complaint demanding immediate removal of the obstructions, which threaten flooding of fields, rural roads and settlements. Authorities warned they will pursue administrative and judicial sanctions against those responsible, citing the same El Niño preparedness plan.