Epecuen, Argentina's 'Lost City', Emerges from Decades of Flooding

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Villa Epecuen, a former resort town in Argentina, was submerged in 1985 after a dam breach caused by heavy rainfall. The town remained underwater for over 25 years before re-emerging in 2009, revealing a haunting landscape of ruined buildings and infrastructure. Epecuen's story highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events and the need for robust disaster planning and climate change mitigation.

Why it matters

The case of Epecuen serves as a stark example of the vulnerability of human settlements to environmental shifts, particularly in the face of climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, the potential for more 'lost cities' to emerge or disappear entirely is a real concern, raising ethical questions about rebuilding in disaster-prone areas.

The details

In the early 20th century, Epecuen flourished as a resort town thanks to the mineral-rich waters of Lake Epecuen. However, prolonged heavy rainfall in November 1985 caused the lake's water levels to rise dramatically, leading to the breach of the town's dam and a catastrophic flood that submerged the entire city. While no lives were lost due to the timely evacuation of residents, the town was irrevocably lost to the waters. In 2009, a shift in weather patterns led to a gradual recession of Lake Epecuen's waters, revealing the skeletal remains of Villa Epecuen.

• In the early 20th century, Epecuen flourished as a resort town.
• In November 1985, heavy rainfall caused Lake Epecuen's water levels to rise dramatically, leading to the breach of the town's dam and a catastrophic flood.
• In 2009, a shift in weather patterns led to a gradual recession of Lake Epecuen's waters, revealing the skeletal remains of Villa Epecuen.

What’s next

Efforts are focused on preserving the site of Epecuen as a historical and tourist attraction, while respecting its tragic past.