Bahía Blanca, Argentina, faces severe flooding, leading to 16 confirmed deaths and the disappearance of two girls. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated, with infrastructure damages estimated at $400 million. The government has initiated emergency reconstruction support as search efforts for the missing girls continue.
Argentina is facing a devastating crisis following flash flooding in the port city of Bahía Blanca, where the death toll has risen to 16. As authorities work to recover from the disaster, two young girls remain missing after being swept away by the floodwaters during a torrential rainstorm that brought an entire year’s worth of rain in just hours.
The flooding inundated numerous neighborhoods and roads, leading to the evacuation of over 1,000 residents. Many homes and hospitals were affected, and local infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, estimated at $400 million. Mayor Federico Susbielles reported on Sunday that search efforts continue, with concerns that the death toll may increase.
The tragedy deepened with the disappearance of a one-year-old and a five-year-old sister, who were on the roof of a van with their mother when floodwaters engulfed them. Provincial security minister Javier Alonso confirmed this detail, emphasizing the urgency of the search by divers in areas still flooded with over a meter of water.
The storm caused widespread power outages throughout Bahía Blanca and surrounding coastal areas, prompting officials to suspend electricity as a safety precaution. In response to the disaster, the government has authorized 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) for emergency reconstruction efforts. Bahía Blanca has a history of severe weather events, including a storm in December 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 13 people and significant destruction to infrastructure.
The flooding in Bahía Blanca has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive infrastructural damage, underscoring the vulnerability of the region to severe weather events. Authorities continue search operations for the missing girls while implementing emergency reconstruction measures to assist the affected community. The disaster highlights the necessity for improved weather preparedness and response strategies.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
