More than 200 evacuated as floods hit northwest Argentina

More than 200 people were evacuated in Tucuman province, northwest Argentina after storms and heavy rain sparked flooding, authorities confirmed on January 22, 2020. 60 people were evacuated in La Reduccion, 28 in La Madrid and 5 in Los Ralos.

Downpours from January 15 to 16 inundated the municipalities of Famailla, La Reduccion, La Madrid, Los Ralos and Yerba Buena, according to Telam news agency.

Around 100 people fled their homes in Famailla, the worst-affected area, where 132 mm (5.2 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period.

In Yerba Buena, a police station was submerged in floodwater, prompting people inside to climb the roof of the building.

Moreover, rural areas of the province also felt the impacts of the severe weather. The government of Tucuman deployed a helicopter to examine remote areas for flooded homes or trapped people.

On January 17, the government reported that 50 more people had been displaced in Los Ralos and Ranchillos, and further six in Santa Lucia. Furthermore, the government said Aguilares and Santa Ana near the Medina river were also affected.

More heavy rain and floods have been reported elsewhere in northern Argentina on January 22, with more than 100 mm (4 inches) of rain recorded in the city of Corrientes, triggering flash floods.

Julie Celestial

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