Argentina temporarily closes Iguazu Falls after El Niño-fuelled surge in water levels
Argentinian authorities temporarily closed the Iguazu Falls to tourists due to dangerous water levels caused by heavy rains linked to an intense El Niño weather pattern. The park is expected to reopen as water levels gradually subside.
Why it matters
The event highlights the increasing impact of climate change and extreme weather patterns on global tourism and natural landmarks.
Tourists visit the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side of the border after heavy rains in September. Tourists visit the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side of the border after heavy rains in September. Argentina Argentina temporarily closes Iguazu Falls after El Niño-fuelled surge in water levels National park officials took the precautionary measure to limit tourist access after heavy rain caused the Iguazu River to flow at six times the normal rate
Prefer the Guardian on Google Heavy rainfall fuelled by a supersized El Niño weather pattern briefly forced Argentinian authorities to close tourist access to the famed Iguazu Falls, amid fears that rapidly rising water levels would cause the river to burst its banks.
It later said the area would reopen to tourists on Tuesday, citing a “gradual decline” in the river’s flow.
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