The Municipality of San Carlos de Bariloche declared a climate emergency on July 26 [1] following intense snowfall that disrupted the region.
The declaration marks a critical effort to prevent accidents and protect residents and tourists as extreme weather creates hazardous road conditions. Local authorities have prioritized snow-removal operations to restore transitability across the city and surrounding areas.
As part of the emergency measures, the city suspended classes and disrupted operations at the San Carlos de Bariloche Airport. Officials said they ordered the preventive closure of Ruta 40 between Bariloche and El Bolsón to prevent vehicles from becoming stranded in the heavy snow.
The emergency affects key tourism hubs, including the Cerro Catedral and Cerro Otto ski centers. Local authorities said the measures were necessary to protect public safety during the temporal. Residents have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel while the municipality works to clear the roads.
Emergency crews are currently focusing on maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring that emergency services can navigate the city. The snowfall has created significant challenges for the Río Negro Province, particularly regarding the safety of the road networks connecting the mountain towns.
“The Municipality of San Carlos de Bariloche declared a climate emergency on July 26.”
The declaration of a climate emergency allows the municipality to mobilize additional resources and implement restrictive traffic measures quickly. By closing primary arteries like Ruta 40 and suspending air travel, the city aims to mitigate the risk of mass casualties or stranded travelers during an extreme weather event that exceeds standard winter maintenance capacities.
