Latin American regions implement flood and fire prevention measures

Various regions across Latin America are implementing preventive measures to mitigate risks from extreme weather, including the El Niño phenomenon and seasonal flooding.

In Chile, CONAF has opened nearly 10,000 jobs to prevent forest fires through vegetation clearing and firebreak construction. Additionally, the Choapa River Watch has issued warnings due to rising water levels from snowmelt. In Valparaíso, municipal teams cleared over 4,000 kg of waste from the El Criquet wetland to improve drainage.

In Peru, authorities are focusing on desilting drainage systems and rivers to prevent flooding. In Piura, significant sediment removal is underway in the Simbilá and 66 drains, though criminal threats have temporarily halted work at the Los Ejidos dam. In Lima, cleaning of the Lurín embankment is 70% complete, benefiting over 1,250 residents.

In Argentina, Aguas Rionegrinas diverted the Ñireco River to protect pumping plants, while Tucumán is executing hydraulic prevention works on the Chirimayo River. In Panama, the Ministry of Public Works removed 60 tons of waste from a drainage canal in Colón to prevent flooding during the rainy season. In Mexico, volunteers and local government cleaned the Pesquería River to prevent debris from affecting the watercourse.