Floods displace thousands across South America amid El Niño concerns

09:45

By: Azzat Manal

Floods displace thousands across South America amid El Niño concerns

Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes in Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay as rising river levels trigger widespread flooding across parts of the Rio de la Plata basin. The floods have inundated riverside neighbourhoods, threatened agricultural activities and prompted emergency services to step up evacuation and relief operations. The crisis comes amid growing concern about the region's weather outlook and the potential influence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with changes in rainfall and temperature patterns.

Paraguay is among the countries facing significant disruption, particularly in the southern town of Ayolas, in Misiones province. More than 3,400 residents have reportedly been displaced as the Paraná River continues to rise. On Saturday, the river reached 6.40 metres, nearly two metres above the reported flood threshold of 4.50 metres. Authorities have prepared 14 reception centres to accommodate affected families and provide temporary shelter.

Municipal officials, the armed forces and national emergency services have been mobilised to support the response. The binational Yacyretá organisation, which manages the hydroelectric complex on the Paraná River between Paraguay and Argentina, has also been involved in relief efforts. Floodwaters have disrupted farming activities, forcing agricultural producers to move crops, livestock and equipment to safer locations to limit potential losses.

In northeastern Argentina, Corrientes province has also reported evacuations. According to figures from the civil defence authorities cited by local newspaper El Litoral, 646 people had left their homes by Saturday. Of these, 289 were evacuated with assistance from authorities, while 357 sought refuge independently. In Itatí, one of the most affected communities, evacuation efforts have continued as residents in rural areas attempt to protect their livestock from rising waters.

The flooding has also affected tourism at Iguazu Falls, one of South America's best-known natural attractions on the border between Argentina and Brazil. On October 12, the river's flow reportedly exceeded 12,000 cubic metres per second, prompting the temporary closure of visitor access points. Several tourist routes have since reopened, but the popular Devil's Throat walkway remains closed after its bridges were dismantled as a precautionary measure in August.

Uruguay has experienced similar difficulties, particularly in the city of Salto, where more than 100 people have reportedly left their homes. Around 30 residents were accommodated in temporary shelters, according to municipal figures. Although river levels were expected to gradually decline, authorities have not ruled out another rise, leaving communities along the Uruguay River on alert.

The latest forecasts have added to concerns about further heavy rainfall in parts of the region. US weather authorities have reportedly projected an increased likelihood of strong to very strong El Niño conditions persisting into the first quarter of 2027. Uruguay's meteorological institute has also indicated a 60% probability of above-average rainfall in the country's north and northeast between October and December. Brazilian forecasters expect wetter-than-normal conditions in the south, while some northern areas could experience rainfall deficits.

El Niño develops when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than average, altering atmospheric circulation and influencing weather patterns around the world. Its effects vary by region, and flooding cannot be attributed to the phenomenon alone without further scientific assessment. River levels, the intensity and duration of rainfall, soil saturation, land use and local drainage conditions can all contribute to the severity of floods.

As emergency operations continue, authorities across the affected countries face the challenge of protecting vulnerable communities while limiting damage to homes, farmland and infrastructure. The situation highlights the importance of early-warning systems, coordinated evacuation plans and reliable weather monitoring, particularly in areas where populations live close to major rivers. With further rainfall possible in the coming months, continued vigilance will be essential to reduce the risk of additional displacement and economic losses.