A powerful storm unleashed chaos across several towns in Salta this Wednesday, dumping around 100 millimeters of water in under an hour in some areas. The sheer volume of rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, resulting in widespread flooding, muddy rivers, and stranded vehicles.
In Valle de Lerma, situated in the province’s geographical center, the San Vicente Arroyo overflowed, leaving drivers marooned on National Route 68, approximately 4 kilometers from Coronel Moldes and 20 kilometers from La Viña.
Dramatic images shared by residents and local media depicted roads completely blocked by surging waters, thick mud, and uprooted trees swept away by the current.
Transport authorities reported disruptions to several bus and train lines.
Rosario de Lerma was particularly hard hit, with streets submerged and movement severely hampered for both vehicles and pedestrians, according to reports.
The intense rainfall caused water to enter homes, even in areas that had not previously experienced flooding during past storms.
Falling trees, weakened by the saturated ground, and downed power poles added to the damage, leaving many residents and roadways without electricity.
Local authorities requested assistance from the Provincial Government to address the losses sustained by homeowners.
Access to the towns of La Merced and La Florida was cut off by an overflowing canal. Sections of Route 36 and Route 68 were closed, creating long backups of stranded vehicles.
EDESA, the province’s electricity provider, announced late Wednesday that power was gradually being restored.
Salta province was battered by intense rainfall this Wednesday, with some regions receiving approximately 100 millimeters of water in less than an hour, causing widespread flooding and disruption.
Flooding Disrupts Transportation, Cuts Power in Salta
Heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, stranding drivers and leaving residents without power across multiple towns.
- Torrential rainfall—around 100 millimeters in under an hour—triggered severe flooding in Salta province.
- National Route 68 was impacted, with drivers stranded near Coronel Moldes and La Viña.
- Homes were flooded, and power outages were reported due to fallen trees and downed poles.
- Authorities requested provincial assistance to address the damage.
The sudden deluge overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into raging rivers and leaving a trail of destruction across the region. The San Vicente Arroyo overflowed in Valle de Lerma, halting traffic on National Route 68. Images circulating online showed roads completely submerged and littered with debris.
Beyond transportation issues, the storm caused significant damage to homes, with water entering properties even in areas not typically prone to flooding. The saturated ground also led to trees falling and power lines coming down, leaving many without electricity. EDESA, the local electricity company, worked to restore power throughout the night.
The towns of La Merced and La Florida were particularly isolated, as an overflowing canal blocked access. Route 36 and Route 68 were both closed, creating substantial traffic delays. Local authorities have appealed for provincial support to help residents recover from the storm’s impact.
