El Niño-induced rains caused floods in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay

Heavy rains caused the Paraná, Uruguay, and Iguazu rivers, which originate in Brazil, to overflow their banks. Flooding affected northeastern Argentina, southern Paraguay, and western Uruguay. In the Argentine province of Corrientes, the water level of the Paraná River in the city of Ituzaingó reached 4.7 meters (15.4 feet), prompting evacuations. Local livestock farmers had to drive herds of cows across flooded pastures to dry land, where calves had to struggle against the strong current and floating river vegetation. Provincial authorities are digging canals and installing drainage systems to protect against further precipitation.

The highest number of evacuees was recorded in Paraguay. Carlos Duarte, the mayor of the border city of Ayolas, reported that more than 2,000 people had to leave their homes as the level of the Paraná River rose to its highest mark in over four decades. In Uruguay, due to the rising level of the Uruguay River, the Salto Grande hydroelectric plant opened its spillway gates, causing flooding in downstream cities, while dozens of people remain homeless. Meanwhile, due to the overflow of the Iguazu River at the Iguazu Falls, the pedestrian walkway to the largest cascade, Devil's Throat, was closed.

Meteorologists forecast an intensification of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which could become one of the strongest on record. The National Meteorological Service of southern Brazil forecasts above-normal precipitation through December, and authorities in Uruguay have warned of the heaviest rains of the year in the northwestern parts of the country in the coming months.