Bella Vista implements flood prevention as Paraná River rises

Authorities in Bella Vista, Argentina, are implementing emergency measures to prepare for rising water levels in the Paraná River and the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. Mayor Noelia Bazzi reported that municipal teams and the Argentine Naval Prefecture have conducted surveys in coastal neighborhoods, including Piscicultura, Barrio Unido, and La Florida, to assess risks.

While no families have been evacuated yet, officials warn that the river continues to rise and forecasts suggest the upcoming weather patterns could be more severe than in previous years. To manage the risk, the city has established a Municipal Civil Defense Board to coordinate preventive actions and communicate updated forecasts to the community.

Infrastructure Secretary Gastón Carcaño noted that the El Niño phenomenon could bring significant rainfall, potentially reaching 1,500 millimeters between October and February. In response, municipal teams have already completed 64,000 meters of ditching to improve drainage and manage interconnected lagoon systems.