Heavy rains in Corrientes province have triggered severe flooding in San Luis del Palmar, forcing the evacuation of over 300 people after the Riachuelo overflowed. The downpours, exceeding 400 millimeters in 48 hours, have saturated the soil and prolonged the crisis for over ten days. Provincial and municipal authorities are coordinating aid in 12 shelter centers.
Corrientes province is grappling with persistent flooding from intense rains that have battered the region for over a week. In San Luis del Palmar, 28 kilometers from the provincial capital, the Riachuelo's overflow has inundated entire neighborhoods, with water levels reaching 4.50 meters and up to one meter of flooding in homes. Mayor Néstor René Buján reported assisting 330 evacuated people in at least twelve centers, such as community halls, chapels, and the Municipal Sports Center, plus over 100 who self-evacuated to relatives' homes.
Volunteer Fire Chief David Rodríguez described the situation as alarming: more than 400 millimeters of rain fell in just 48 hours, saturating natural channels and preventing water from receding. Official estimates show around 600 millimeters in December in the capital and nearby areas, quadrupling the historical average. The worst-hit areas are the neighborhood along Provincial Route 5 access and the rural Fourth Section, where streams worsen the scenario, isolating families.
The provincial government, via Social Development Minister José Irigoyen, has provided mattresses, food, drinking water, and chemical toilets. Irigoyen, who toured the areas with Buján, assured: "We are providing hot meals, mattresses, water, and cleaning supplies." The Public Health Ministry, under Subsecretary Luis Pérez, is ramping up anti-dengue operations, distributing repellents and advising safe water consumption and food washing. Pérez stressed: "The centers are managed, but self-care is vital."
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) and INTA forecast intermittent rains until Thursday, with potential relief by Friday. Last week, Corrientes city experienced similar flooding that temporarily resolved. So far, there has been no communication from the national government, according to Buján. The operation involves firefighters, Police, Gendarmería, and Prefecture.
