Neuquén province meteorological emergency

The Neuquén province in Argentina is facing a severe meteorological emergency driven by intense rainfall and the El Niño phenomenon. Extreme weather, including hail and electrical activity, has caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage, such as the destruction of a bridge under construction on Provincial Route 5 near Arroyo Carranza.

In the Vaca Muerta region, Rincón de los Sauces has become isolated by land due to impassable roads on Provincial Routes 5 and 8. This isolation necessitated the use of aerial bridges via provincial aircraft and helicopters to transport patients and essential medical supplies to the local hospital. Emergency teams are conducting helicopter flyovers to assess isolated rural areas like Zaina Yegua and Puente Picún. While some road circulation has been restored, the National Meteorological Service maintains yellow and orange alerts, with authorities warning that the next five to seven days remain critical.

Governor Rolando Figueroa has declared a six-month meteorological emergency, noting that drainage channels are struggling with water volumes not seen in 70 years. In response, the provincial government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in flood prevention and has formed a specialized management committee. Additionally, the administration announced a massive infrastructure plan for Neuquén capital, exceeding 287 billion pesos (approximately 200 million USD), to improve drinking water and sanitation services through 2040.

To assist those affected, the ‘Tarifa Neuquina’ program provides a 30 percent discount on fixed and variable electricity charges for residential users, hotels, and restaurants. Funded by renegotiated hydroelectric royalties, the benefit is expected to reach over 96,000 users starting in November.