The low flow of the Iguazú River is noticeable in the Iguazú Falls in recent weeks. The normal flow of this wonder of the world is 1500 m3/s and, just a few years ago, in April 2020, it reached a historic low of 289 m3/s.
According to information provided at the time by the Administration of National Parks (APN), during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Low flow of the Iguazú River: what is the reason?
“Some say that this week was the lowest level in the history of the Iguazú River, but we understand that it was not the case,” area workers clarified to local media.
“Beyond the cold numbers, the truth is that it is a unique spectacle, seldom seen, and we do not know when it may happen again,” they stated.
In the same vein, as reported by Primera Edición, they described how visitors in these days were “amazed” because the Falls were “showing another side, and that is also good.”
According to reports, in the coming days, there will be an increase in the level of the Iguazú River as a result of the rains that have begun upstream.
Now, this landscape shows the consequences of an extended drought in the area.
It is worth remembering that in June 2021, the drought due to lack of rain showed a similar image at the Falls. At that time, the lack of water in the rivers forced the Brazilian dams to close the gates to retain water, leaving the falls with just a trickle of water.
Back then, small streams could be seen, and the immense stone walls that on other occasions are almost completely covered by the river waters.
In December, closed circuit due to high flow
When the flow increased dramatically. (Photo: Weekend-Perfil).
Not long ago, in December, a completely opposite situation was taking place in the same area.
They closed the Devil’s Throat Circuit in the Iguazú National Park preventively due to the rapid increase in the river’s flow.
This occurred due to the intense rainfall recorded in the contributing basin, which generated a flow six times higher than normal.
“As part of preventive measures, the flood protocol was activated, which, among other measures, includes lowering the guardrails at the Devil’s Throat balcony and the last 200 meters of the walkway leading to the main tourist attraction,” they stated.
“These actions seek to prevent major damage from the force of the water,” added specialists.
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