Neuquén province faces severe flooding and road closures

The Neuquén province in Argentina is experiencing extreme weather conditions due to intense rainfall, hail, and electrical activity. The storm has caused significant flooding, rising streams, and the destruction of infrastructure, including a bridge under construction on Provincial Route 5 near Arroyo Carranza.

Rincón de los Sauces, located in the Vaca Muerta region, is among the most affected areas and has become isolated by land as both Provincial Routes 5 and 8 are impassable. This isolation has created a critical situation for the local hospital, forcing authorities to coordinate aerial bridges using provincial aircraft and helicopters to deliver essential medical supplies, reagents, and patients.

Emergency teams are conducting helicopter flyovers to assess isolated rural areas such as Zaina Yegua and Puente Picún. While some road circulation has been restored, the National Meteorological Service maintains yellow and orange alerts. Authorities warn that the next five to seven days remain critical due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.