The government of Salta reported that there is a constant monitoring of watercourses in the northern province, due to the increase in the flow of the Bermejo, Tarija, and Itaú rivers, and the possible rise of the Pilcomayo. The situation is critical in the Rivadavia department, where rains in the upper basins of Bolivia have caused sudden rises.
The Bermejo River reached almost five meters in height in Embarcación, isolating families in places like Desemboque (La Unión). Although the level dropped during the day, authorities warn that new rises are imminent.
Assistance to affected communities
The Director of Emergency of the Ministry of Social Development, Gabriela Locuratolo, confirmed that the municipalities of Rivadavia Banda Sur, Banda Norte, and Pichanal are the most exposed. Territorial teams are working to assist isolated families, although no evacuations have been reported so far.
Access to the affected areas is complex: in Pichanal, rains require a combination of land and river transport, with support from the Lake Police. In some cases, families resist evacuation, complicating prevention efforts.
Mitigation works on the Pilcomayo
Locuratolo highlighted the works carried out on the Pilcomayo River as a positive precedent:
- Deepening of channels in the María area.
- Elevation of the road to Misión La Paz.
- Interventions in meanders and channels with amphibious machinery.
These actions reduce the risk of flooding, although the channel remains under surveillance.
Meteorological alert in Bolivia
The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) of Bolivia issued an orange alert for possible rises between March 9 and 13 in five departments: La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Beni, and Tarija. Increases are expected in the Ichilo, Chapare, Rocha, Grande, Bermejo, Guadalquivir, and Pilcomayo rivers, with a risk of overflows.
The orange alert indicates that the rivers show an upward trend and that continuous rains increase the likelihood of flooding in the following hours or days.
Recommendations to the population
Authorities advise:
- Avoid approaching the mentioned rivers.
- Do not use heavy machinery in riverbank areas.
- Drive with caution on roads.
- Stay informed about official reports.
The situation in northern Salta reflects the vulnerability of riverbank communities to hydrological phenomena originating in the upper basins of Bolivia. Permanent monitoring, mitigation works, and coordination between municipalities and the province are key to reducing risks. However, the resistance of some families to evacuate and the persistence of intense rains keep the alert active.
