Reconquista Mayor Amadeo Enrique Vallejos warned on Wednesday that the local port faces an imminent flood risk unless provincial and national authorities send the corresponding funds. As the Paraná River water level at Puerto Reconquista reached 5.92 meters on Wednesday, November 4, surpassing the 5.10-meter alert mark and the 5.30-meter evacuation threshold, local officials engaged in an escalating dispute over delayed infrastructure money.
Emergency Funds and Defenses Underfunded
Vallejos stated that the municipality is waiting for the provincial government to deposit $1,052 million corresponding to the 2026 Minor Public Works Fund. The municipal council approved the project unanimously for cleaning, profiling, and resizing primary and secondary drainage channels, yet the money remains frozen despite completed administrative requirements and technical evaluations.
Did You Know? The municipality previously requested a National Treasury ATN of $504 million four months ago, receiving only $215 million to fund drainage work under National Route A-009 and Provincial Route 40.
Vallejos also criticized provincial lawmakers, including Senator Marcón and Deputy Scarpín, alongside opposition councilmen, accusing them of failing to advocate for the city's legally mandated funds.
Evacuations and Regional Water Monitoring
According to the Santa Fe Provincial Monitoring Center’s hydrological report released on Wednesday, November 4, General Obligado department recorded 29 evacuees and 98 self-evacuated individuals across multiple localities. In Puerto Reconquista specifically, authorities registered seven evacuees housed in municipal public services facilities and 20 self-evacuated residents.
State officials continue to track the Paraná River levels while advising travelers to exercise caution along Provincial Route 1 due to animal movements and low-land transfers. Meanwhile, Prefectura Naval recommended avoiding nighttime travel on the river as higher water speeds, floating debris, and submerged obstacles increase hazards for boat operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level at Puerto Reconquista?
The water level reached 5.92 meters on Wednesday, November 4, exceeding both the 5.10-meter alert level and the 5.30-meter evacuation threshold, according to the provincial monitoring center.
How many people are affected by evacuations in the department?
The provincial Secretariat of Civil Protection and Risk Management reported 29 evacuees and 98 self-evacuated residents across the General Obligado department, which includes affected families in Reconquista, Las Toscas, and Tacuarendí.
What specific funds is the Municipality of Reconquista demanding?
The municipal administration is urging the provincial government to release $1,052 million from the 2026 Minor Public Works Fund, which was unanimously approved by the municipal council for vital channel cleaning and defense reinforcement.
How will local authorities manage the projected rise in river levels over the coming weeks?