Argentina – 2 Dead, 1,800 Evacuated After Floods in Chaco Province

by in Americas, News

A storm and torrential rain in northern Argentina caused major flooding in the province of Chaco from 20 April, 2019.

Floods in Chaco Province, Argentina, April 2019. Credit: Government of Chaco

The country’s national news agency Télam reported that 2 people died after they were electrocuted when power cables fell into flood water in the city of Las Breñas in Chaco Province.

Among the worst hit areas was Corzuela in Chaco Province, where 300mm of rain reportedly fell in just a few hours during the storm. Governor of the province, Domingo Peppo, said via Social Media that the village of Mesón de Fierro, around 50km south of Corzuela, recorded 380mm.

Around 1,800 people have evacuated their homes in Chaco Province. According to the provincial government around 12 locations of the province were also severe affected, including several parts of Resistencia, Barranqueras, General Pinedo, Charata, Las Breñas, and Saenz Peña.

Governor Domingo Peppo said via Social Media that basic necessities are being delivered for the victims, such as non-perishable foods, mattresses, blankets, water and cleaning kits.

Heavy rainfall also affected parts of the provinces of Formosa and Corrientes, in particular the city of Corrientes where 142mm of rain during a storm on 20 April caused flash flooding. Social Media showed images of cars floating along city streets. Télam said that there were no reports of fatalities or evacuations.

Forecasts say that further heavy rain in northern areas of Argentina and neighbouring parts of Paraguay area likely.

Social Media

https://twitter.com/chematierra/status/1119870222650040322