Flooding risks in Uruguay and Argentina rivers

The Uruguay River and surrounding basins are facing significant hydrological risks driven by the El Niño phenomenon. Initially, authorities in Argentina issued warnings regarding extraordinary rising water levels in the Uruguay River. In Mocoretá, the presence of debris such as logs and branches has created navigation hazards, prompting recommendations for reduced vessel speeds and the avoidance of nighttime travel.

Economic assessments from the Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos (UNER) identified livestock, dairy farming, tourism, and coastal activities as highly vulnerable to potential flooding. Experts warned that these disruptions could impact broader provincial production chains, including logistics, infrastructure, and employment.

As weather patterns evolved, meteorologists identified an atmospheric river in northern Uruguay, specifically threatening the Artigas department and the confluence of the Uruguay and Cuareim rivers with heavy storms. In Argentina, specialists from the National University of the Northeast (UNNE) continue to monitor the Paraná River basin, noting that while El Niño increases regional humidity, rapid-response watercourses like the Uruguay and Iguazú rivers remain at risk for sudden flooding due to localized precipitation.