Strong winds in Patagonia created a large dust cloud affecting Uruguay and the AMBA, while in Torres del Paine, Chile, five tourists died in a blizzard. Gusts reached up to 150 km/h, causing damage in Chubut and health alerts for respiratory issues. Authorities declared an emergency and forecast a decrease in winds.
Wind gusts battering Patagonia on Monday reached peaks of 150 km/h in urban areas and exceeded 300 km/h in oil fields in Chubut, according to reports from the National Meteorological Service (SMN). In Comodoro Rivadavia, the epicenter of the storm, a state of climatic emergency was declared, suspending classes and restricting non-essential vehicle circulation. Damages included roof blow-offs, fallen power poles and trees, and interruptions in water and electricity supply across entire neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, the winds lifted a cloud of dust and dry sediments that moved northward, reducing visibility along the Buenos Aires Atlantic Coast and reaching the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA). The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) reported that the phenomenon, visible in Montevideo with a grayish sky, could affect health, especially for people with respiratory problems. Gastón River from Rauch Civil Defense described the event as 'calima,' where particles like sand and clay remain suspended.
The most severe tragedy occurred in Torres del Paine National Park, 2800 km south of Santiago, where a blizzard surprised hikers. Five tourists died: two Mexicans, two Germans, and one British. Four missing persons were found alive, though their condition is unknown. 'We have to report five deceased people: two Mexicans, two Germans, and one British,' said José Antonio Ruiz, presidential delegate in Magallanes. President Gabriel Boric expressed condolences on X: 'To the families, friends, and loved ones of the five people who unfortunately died in the tragedy that occurred in Torres del Paine, I send my deepest condolences.'
The park, which received over 367,000 visitors in 2024 according to the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), faces forecasts of winds up to 120 km/h with sleet, complicating visibility. Authorities warn that hikers may become disoriented. For Wednesday, a total decrease in winds is expected in Chubut, with gusts up to 41 km/h and temperatures between 9°C and 14°C, along with possible light rains.
