MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Iguazu falls short of water; tours cancelled

Shortage of rainfall and the closing of several dams upstream to retain water have forced the cancelling of nautical tours next to the world famous Iguazu falls, one of the world's most impressive sights.

According to reports from the company managing the Nacional Iguazu Park, the level of water in the falls, 1.200 kilometres north of Buenos Aires had dropped dramatically in recent days because of the lack of rainfall in the rivers basins upstream.

"This has caused a significant drop in the volume of water, which has forced Brazil to lock its seven dams in the area so as to retain a greater volume of water for future electricity generation", said company representatives.

This has forced the cancelling of nautical tours next to the falls since the Iguazu river is only half a meter deep, and according to Argentina's Coast Guard the "situation persists" and rocks have begun appearing at water level.

This is the first time in nine years that these cruises are cancelled because of lack of water.

The Iguazu falls ("big water" in local guarani language) are at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu rivers, and have become one of Argentina's main international tourism attraction with over 200 consecutive water falls and the gigantic "Devil Throat" which is 80 metres high.