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Iguazú Falls Reopens Devil's Throat Amidst Spectular Rainbows and El Niño Concerns

Iguazú Falls Reopens Devil's Throat Amidst Spectular Rainbows and El Niño Concerns

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Devil's Throat circuit at Iguazú Falls has reopened after a temporary closure due to a significant increase in the river's flow.
  • The higher water levels are creating spectacular double rainbows, a phenomenon amplified by the immense force of the falling water.
  • Authorities are monitoring the situation closely due to potential impacts from El Niño, which could bring more heavy rains and further affect river levels.

The iconic Devil's Throat walkway at Iguazú Falls has reopened to visitors after being temporarily closed due to a surge in the Iguazú River's flow. The spectacular balcony, which offers views from over 80 meters high, had been shut down following a more than threefold increase in the river's volume, from 1,800 to over 8,500 cubic meters per second.

These measures are taken immediately, following strict protocols to ensure the safety of visitors and the people who work in the park.

— Iguazú Argentina S.A.The concessionaire company explaining the safety procedures during the river's high flow.

The current river level, still considerably higher than usual at 6,500 cubic meters per second, is creating a breathtaking spectacle for tourists. The increased flow is intensifying the appearance of double rainbows, a phenomenon caused by the immense force of the water generating a constant mist that refracts sunlight. Visitors exploring the Upper and Lower Circuits can now witness numerous rainbows due to the sheer power of the falls.

The reopening coincides with the final week of winter school holidays for major tourist-generating regions like Buenos Aires. Iguazú Argentina S.A., the concessionaire operating the park's walkways, stated that immediate measures are taken following strict protocols to ensure visitor and staff safety. The park anticipates a busy final holiday week, with the Paseo de la Luna excursion also operating nightly.

The falls are preparing to experience a final winter holiday week in full swing.

— Iguazú Argentina S.A.The concessionaire company highlighting the anticipated tourist activity following the reopening.

Looking ahead, park authorities are cautiously optimistic but remain vigilant about the potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon. While the current high water levels are creating a unique visual experience, they could also lead to further precautionary closures in September if heavy rains are forecasted for the region. The concessionaire is monitoring projections, particularly rainfall upstream, which could maintain elevated river levels throughout the fall.

We will see how the phenomenon projects. It will be important, with rains upstream, and we believe that situation will maintain the river at elevated levels starting in September.

— Carol Da RosaCarol Da Rosa, manager of the park's concessionaire, discussing the potential impact of El Niño on river levels.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.