Falls in flood: water power this week

Today's measurement indicates 2,160 m³/s (equivalent to 1.5 million liters per second), which corresponds to 1.44 times the historic average flow of 1,500 m³/s. This ranking places the river among the top 5% of recorded values, although still well below the all-time record of roughly 4,000 m³/s set in June 2014.

In practical terms, the current equals about one Olympic-size swimming pool every 1.2 seconds, or 216 water-tanker trucks per second, and in roughly 20 seconds it exceeds the daily water consumption of the entire population of Foz do Iguaçu (about 43,000 m³). The water may appear darker, but this is only sediment carried by rain in the basin, not dirt.

While the flood does not imply a total park closure, there is a risk that the final walkway of the Falls could be temporarily closed for safety, as announced in the operational decision earlier today. The viewpoints remain open. To confirm the status in real time, check the official Falls page before leaving home.

What this means for you: the water force is high, ideal for those who want to feel the power of the drops, but verify whether the final walkway is open and plan to arrive early to avoid lines and enjoy the still-available viewpoints.

Read also: Are the Iguaçu Falls open today?