Iguazú Falls catwalks shut as floods push water flow to near-record levels

Travellers heading to Iguazú Falls on the Brazil-Argentina border are finding parts of the site closed after weeks of heavy rain sent near-record volumes of water over the cascades. Officials shut the narrow metal catwalks that normally run close to the falls as the Iguazú River kept rising.

Key facts

• Where: Iguazú Falls, a complex of cascades spanning more than a mile across Brazil and Argentina
• What is happening: A rain-soaked October has produced near-record water volumes
• Peak flow recorded: nearly 12 million litres (more than 3 million gallons) per second — about 10 times the normal flow
• Closures: the lower metal catwalks near the falls have been shut
• Cause given: scientists link the rains to this year's Super El Niño

What is happening at the falls?

Iguazú is not a single waterfall but a complex of cascades stretching more than a mile across both countries. A rain-soaked October in Brazil has sent near-record volumes of water surging over the cliffs, with the river's red, muddy waters racing toward the edge.

On one day during a recent visit, officials registered nearly 12 million litres (more than 3 million gallons) of water per second tumbling over the falls — roughly 10 times the normal flow.

Which parts of the park are affected?

The narrow metal catwalks that usually hover a few feet above the falls during normal-rainfall years have been closed. The rising river lapped at the bottom of the walkways before officials shut access.

The national park's director, asked why access was cut off, said simply: "It just keeps raining." The source does not state which other areas of the park remain open or when the walkways will reopen.

Why is this happening?

Scientists link the relentless rains to this year's Super El Niño, which has caused extreme weather events across the globe. The deluge has also kept tourist numbers lower than average this month, according to the account of the visit.

What this means for travellers

Visitors to Iguazú National Park in Argentina and the Brazilian side of the falls should expect some viewpoints and walkways to be unavailable while water levels remain high. Anyone planning a trip can check current access conditions at the park before travelling.

No timeline has been given for when the closed walkways will reopen.