Iguazu Falls Flow at 11 Times Normal Rate; Protective Measures Implemented for Walkways

Paths open to visitors were closed and metal barriers were dismantled to allow water to flow after rains boosted the discharge of Iguazu Falls, located in the border region between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, to approximately 16 million liters per second on Wednesday, October 14—nearly 11 times its historical average of 1.5 million liters.

According to the Brazilian website GZH, the flow rate dropped to around 12 million liters per second on the previous Thursday, but the company operating tourist services in the park could not confirm that the decline would continue, as water levels could rise again in the coming days.

The park administration had closed the waterfall walkway as a precaution since October 11, and dismantled its barriers on the morning of October 13.

It explained that the measure allows water to pass freely and prevents the accumulation of branches and tree trunks carried by currents against the barriers, thereby reducing pressure on the structure.

The closures did not affect the entire park; the waterfall trail remained open for visits, while other areas were closed as safety measures.

Technical teams monitor the flow rate every hour during periods of high discharge, and the reopening of the walkway depends on a technical assessment and approval by a qualified engineer.

Despite the large volumes recorded, these figures are far below the record set by the falls in 2014, when the flow reached 46.3 million liters per second, according to the Brazilian report.