Paraguay and Argentina brace for heavy rains as El Niño intensifies

Datumpy’s agro‑climatic analysis predicts uneven rainfall across Paraguay from 15 to 22 June, with the south and southeast of the Oriental Region receiving the highest totals – more than 35 mm and localized peaks near 50 mm. Satellite monitoring shows about 44 % of the national surface under light soil moisture, while 15 % retains high moisture, especially in the southern and southeastern zones, supporting the establishment of autumn‑winter crops.

In Argentina’s Misiones province, subsecretary of Civil Protection Enrique Parra warned that the second half of the year will bring the strongest El Niño‑related rains, peaking in October‑December. He noted that four municipalities in the Uruguay River basin – El Soberbio, Alba Posse, Panambí and San Javier – face heightened flood risk and are coordinating mitigation measures with Brazilian officials. Parra said, “Lo que se considera… es que esto va a durar hasta el otoño del año que viene,” and added, “No hay equipo que evite esto pero sí que mitigue.” The provincial administration is also participating in a federal table with seven provinces to harmonise flood‑response protocols.