Weather and flooding impact Patagonia and central Chile

Severe weather and hydrological shifts are impacting regions in Argentina and Chile. In northern Patagonia, the Autoridad Interjurisdiccional de las Cuencas de los ríos Limay, Neuquén y Negro has forecasted a week of difficult weather. From September 20 to 25, cold fronts are expected to bring rain and heavy snow to the cordillera, while valleys and coasts face intense wind gusts and dropping temperatures.

In Chile, the Dirección General de Aguas (DGA) is monitoring rising river levels in the Coquimbo Region, specifically in the Paihuano and Vicuña communes. Several hydrometric stations, including those at Estero Derecho in Alcohuaz and the Elqui River in Algarrobal, have reached or exceeded alert thresholds following recent precipitation.

Additionally, in the Ñuble Region, the Comisión Nacional de Riego (CNR) and the Junta de Vigilancia del Río Ñuble are conducting technical assessments of irrigation channels damaged by previous winter rains and river surges. Efforts are underway to evaluate infrastructure repairs in areas such as the Romeral and San José Sur channels to restore water availability for local agriculture.