Calingasta braces for river flood risk as snow melt raises water levels

Heavy snowfall in the Andes and recent strong rains have raised concerns in Calingasta, Argentina, about a possible surge in river flow that could damage existing infrastructure. Horacio Rubilar, president of the Junta de Riego, said the current climatic conditions are the most intense since 1986‑87. While the snowpack is welcomed after years of drought, the increased water volume threatens the department’s 13 water‑intake points, many of which are in poor condition and could be washed away.

Local water users and residents submitted a formal request to provincial authorities, urging urgent repairs. The following day, Minister Perea and José Genestar, director of Hidráulica, called to confirm that the governor has ordered immediate work, stressing that the melt season in October‑November could make access to the river channel difficult without proper machinery.

The authorities have pledged to accelerate maintenance and avoid postponing the works to later in the year, aiming to protect the irrigation system and nearby neighborhoods from potential flooding.