Misiones rivers flooding causes border closures and park restrictions

Heavy rainfall and the El Niño phenomenon have caused significant flooding in the Misiones province of Argentina, affecting the Paraná, Uruguay, and Iguazú rivers. The Iguazú River reached a height of 28 meters, leading to the preventive closure of the Upper Circuit at Iguazú Falls to ensure visitor safety.

As of October 25, 14 fluvial border crossings remain closed due to rising water levels, including ten on the Paraná River and four on the Uruguay River. The flooding has also impacted land infrastructure, with several bridges and roads facing restrictions or closures. The storm has resulted in the evacuation of 154 people and caused damage to 124 homes.

While some international fluvial transport services are suspended, certain local tourism operators, such as Balsa Aventura, report that they are maintaining scheduled navigation tours despite the river increases. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as water levels are expected to remain high.