A storm with record rainfall over 300 mm hit Chaco province interior on April 20, leaving towns underwater, roads impassable and several emergencies. Espinillo recorded 320 mm, while a factory in Juan José Castelli was flooded affecting 45 workers. The National Meteorological Service maintains an orange alert for storms.
The storm hit hard in northern and central Chaco, with concentrated rains in a few hours overwhelming soil drainage capacity. Espinillo recorded 320 mm, the highest, followed by Juan José Castelli with 240 mm, Pampa del Indio with 223 mm, Miraflores with 215 mm, and Presidencia Roca with 210 mm. Other areas like Los Frentones accumulated 52 mm and Tacuruzal 120 mm, according to official data.
Consequences included widespread flooding and impassable rural roads, complicating travel and aid. In Presidencia Roca, a house partially collapsed and a family self-evacuated with no injuries. Police personnel rescued two horses tied and covered by water on Provincial Route N° 3.
In Juan José Castelli, a 30-year-old furniture factory was completely flooded, including its sales room. Its owner said: “Nunca me entró agua, ni un centímetro, y ahora está todo inundado”. [Never had water enter, not even a centimeter, and now everything is flooded]. The business employs 45 workers amid declining activity.
Additionally, a 21-year-old woman in Los Frentones survived a lightning strike while cooking with a metal spoon; she has no visible injuries and is under observation. The National Meteorological Service maintains an orange alert for storms with more intense rain and electrical activity.
