Following extreme rainfall, Argentina declared three days of mourning after 16 deaths and two missing children in Bahía Blanca. Over 1,450 people were displaced, classes were suspended, and significant infrastructure and utilities were damaged. Relief efforts are underway, involving local businesses and football clubs, with projected reconstruction costs reaching 400 billion pesos.
On March 7, 2025, extreme rainfall in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, led to severe flooding that resulted in 16 confirmed deaths and two children reported missing. Argentine President Javier Milei declared three days of national mourning in response to this disaster, as over 400 mm (15.7 inches) of rain fell in a single day, causing unprecedented damage.
The latest victim was a driver from Andreani who attempted to rescue the missing children, aged 1 and 5, along Route 3. Ongoing search efforts for the girls are underway, while four other flood victims remain unidentified. Federico Susbielles, the municipal head of Bahía Blanca, expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of decisions made to ensure public safety during this crisis.
Approximately 1,450 individuals have been displaced, currently accommodated in 13 evacuation centers. Classes have been suspended in Bahía Blanca, Coronel Rosales, and Villarino districts until March 11, with 261 schools evaluated for damage, 23 of which reported severe issues.
Judicial activities in Bahía Blanca have been halted until March 14 due to utility disruptions. The Buenos Aires Supreme Court of Justice is assessing damage to court infrastructure, while the National University of the South (UNS) has also suspended academic activities until March 31 because of infrastructure destruction.
Southern Energy Distribution Company S.A. (EDES) has restored 65% of the city’s electrical grid, while telecommunications companies work on re-establishing mobile connectivity. Access routes are being restored, especially National Route 3, which suffered significant damages due to flooding. The National Roads Department is employing heavy machinery for restoration efforts.
Business organizations in Bahía Blanca are advocating for wage protections for employees unable to work due to the disaster. Long queues are reported at petrol stations due to shortages, though fuel supply is expected to stabilize soon.
Structural assessments are ongoing due to severe damage to the Napostá River bridges, with three out of four collapsing. Engineers are also evaluating building foundations across the city to anticipate possible collapses. Donation centers for non-perishable food and other essential items have been established to assist those affected.
Football clubs nationwide are actively involved in relief efforts, collecting supplies for victims. Mayor Federico Susbielles projects reconstruction costs at a minimum of 400 billion pesos (approximately $455 million). To aid recovery, Economy Minister Luis Caputo has announced an emergency fund amounting to 10 billion pesos ($11.4 million). Emergency measures for restoring utilities and managing aid distribution are being implemented.
The catastrophic flooding in Bahía Blanca has led to significant loss of life and displacement of residents. The response includes national mourning, suspension of classes, and establishment of donation centers. Ongoing restoration efforts involve utilities and infrastructure, with local businesses and football clubs contributing to relief operations. The overall impact is severe, prompting government aid and assessments of long-term reconstruction costs.
Original Source: watchers.news
