Paraná River Levels Rising Toward Alert Stage in Argentina

The Paraná River will continue its sustained rise in front of Santa Fe, Paraná, and Rosario over the next fortnight, according to the daily hydro-meteorological report released by the National Water Institute (INA). Currently, the river sits at medium water levels, which are above normal for this time of year, but officials anticipate it transitioning into medium-high levels.

The INA warns that water levels could approach or exceed the official alert threshold in Paraná and Santa Fe during the transition between October and November. Recent readings show levels at 3.79 meters in Santa Fe, where the alert mark is 5.30 meters; 3.77 meters in Paraná, with an alert mark of 4.70 meters; and 3.49 meters in Rosario, where the alert is set at 5.00 meters.

This upward trend is driven by a flood wave moving down from the northern part of the basin. Further upstream, the river has already surpassed alert and evacuation levels in Corrientes and Barranqueras, and has exceeded the alert mark in Goya. The INA estimates that water levels could breach the alert threshold in Reconquista and approach it in La Paz.

Officials caution that due to the massive volume of water in transit, the flood wave will take longer to pass and will linger, which may delay the downstream peak. Furthermore, abundant rainfall is expected across sectors of the Upper Paraná and the Iguazu basin, potentially triggering another flood wave in the upcoming weeks.

This rising water is occurring against the backdrop of El Niño, a climate phenomenon characterized by the warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean waters that alters atmospheric circulation. The National Meteorological Service confirmed that El Niño is currently active, increasing the likelihood of abundant precipitation and intense storms in Argentina's littoral and northeastern regions.

In response to the developing situation, the Province and the city of Santa Fe have spent months preparing for a major hydrological event. The provincial government rolled out a comprehensive action plan featuring infrastructure works, operational protocols, and contingency measures, including drainage maintenance and the setup of evacuation centers in the Alto Verde area.