Intense snowfall closes Argentina-Chile passes, strands hundreds of trucks

A powerful winter storm has forced the closure of several border passes between Argentina and Chile, leaving around 580 trucks stranded in Uspallata and prompting rescues in high-altitude areas of Mendoza. The Paso Internacional Cristo Redentor, the main corridor for cargo, has been closed for five consecutive days due to heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions Source: clarin.

Snowfall and closures

Snow accumulation reached 1.5 meters in Las Cuevas and Puente del Inca, while Villa Las Cuevas recorded 1.30 meters Source: lavozar. Routes including RN 7 are only open to Uspallata with mandatory chains. Other passes in Neuquén and Río Negro are also closed, with only Paso Huaum open in Neuquén Source: infobae.

Rescue and assistance

Three tourists were rescued from Las Cuevas after being trapped by the storm Source: infobae. In Penitentes, about 30 people remain sheltered with supplies. Gendarmería, along with truckers' unions and local police, are coordinating assistance for stranded drivers. The storm is described as "one of the most intense in the last ten years" by Osvaldo Valle of the Border Operational Coordination Source: lavozar.

What's next

The SMN maintains an orange alert for Mendoza, Neuquén, and San Juan, with snowfall expected to continue until at least Monday and a possible improvement by the end of July Source: lavozar. Authorities advise postponing non-essential travel.