Over 200 tourists evacuated from Mendoza mountains amid severe snowstorm

A severe snowstorm and strong winds forced the evacuation of over 200 tourists from the Puente del Inca area in Argentina's Mendoza province. The "preventive" operation saw security forces rapidly transfer visitors to the safety of Penitentes.

The extreme weather conditions in the high mountain region prompted authorities to activate an emergency protocol. This action was partly to avoid situations similar to a recent rescue of 200 tourists trapped in snow in Catamarca. Some individuals required medical attention for hypotension, anxiety, and hypothermia.

"Puente del Inca sector, white wind and storm entering, sweeping tourists is recommended," was the initial official communication from the National Gendarmerie. Authorities coordinated the evacuation of approximately 200 people from Puente del Inca to Penitentes due to the intense white wind and snowfall.

Since mid-July, over 300 people have been evacuated from various high mountain locations in Mendoza, including Las Cuevas, Puente del Inca, Penitentes, Horcones, Punta de Vacas, and Los Puquios, due to extreme weather events.