Jump to the impact of El Niño: We have been busy preparing for what may come

Governor Maximiliano Pullaro of Santa Fe emphasized the province’s preparedness for the potential impacts of El Niño during a meeting with local officials in Rosario. The gathering, held in the Lavardén Hall, included mayors, community leaders, watershed committees, productive entities, and members of the provincial cabinet. The objective was to coordinate prevention and response measures aimed at mitigating the effects of anticipated heavy rains and excessive water levels as El Niño is forecasted to arrive in late 2026. The event formed part of a broader provincial strategy to prepare for a potentially adverse climate scenario. During the session led by Pullaro, officials presented completed projects, operational protocols, and contingency plans designed to reduce risks to residents, infrastructure, and the production system. A similar meeting will take place this Thursday with authorities from the central-north region of the province. Pullaro highlighted the efforts made over the past 31 months since taking office, stating that the government has been strategically preparing for a phenomenon that, while unwanted, is predicted to be very intense. He noted that from day one, they have implemented planning to ensure readiness for this stage. He announced the creation of a specific fund amounting to 10 billion pesos to address immediate emergencies that could arise from the expected rainfall. "We want to have resources available to provide rapid responses when the situation demands them," he explained. In terms of infrastructure and planning, Pullaro underscored that the province has been investing in strengthening its hydrological infrastructure and capacity to respond to extreme weather events. He cited that nearly 70% of the canal network is now operational after cleaning and maintenance work. Additionally, he pointed out the introduction of four helicopters for assisting communities that might become isolated due to flooding, and praised the formation of a regional committee with Santiago del Estero and Chaco provinces to coordinate actions on shared watersheds. He also emphasized collaboration with Córdoba to plan responses to possible water surges. Pullaro reiterated that preparation requires commitment from all levels of government. "We are arriving well-prepared, but coordination is key. If each level does its part, we can minimize the cost these rains might impose on citizens and our productive system. For that, we are working," he concluded.