Argentina has declared three days of mourning after flash floods killed 16 people in Bahia Blanca, where a year’s worth of rainfall fell in hours. The floods led to significant infrastructure damage and ongoing rescue efforts for missing persons, including two young sisters. Officials cite climate change as a factor and emphasize the need for disaster preparedness.
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning after flash floods in Bahia Blanca led to 16 fatalities, with ongoing rescue efforts for additional missing persons. The floods occurred when an entire year’s worth of rain fell in just a few hours, severely inundating neighborhoods in the port city located in Buenos Aires province. The tragic loss includes two young sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away after seeking refuge on a van roof with their mother, who was rescued.
Provincial security minister Javier Alonso confirmed the girls’ disappearance while rescuers continue to search the impacted area, where water levels exceed one meter. Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, announced significant infrastructure damage estimated at $400 million, and added that there might be more confirmed deaths as recovery operations progress. The flooding also left large parts of the coastal region without electricity due to hazardous conditions.
President Javier Milei announced the mourning period, stating that “all areas of the national government will remain dedicated to assisting the victims in this moment of sorrow for all Argentines.” Emergency reconstruction funding has been authorized at 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million). Football star Lionel Messi expressed his condolences on Instagram, emphasizing the need for strength in these trying circumstances.
Environment official Andrea Dufourg commented on the floods as evidence of climate change, stating that such extreme weather events are likely a trend. To mitigate the impact of such incidents, she stressed the importance of preparing cities, educating citizens, and establishing effective emergency response systems. Bahia Blanca has experienced previous weather-related catastrophes, including a deadly storm in December 2023 that resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage.
The devastating floods in Bahia Blanca highlight the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness in the context of climate change. The losses, both human and infrastructural, underscore the necessity for proactive strategies, including early warning systems and community education. With national mourning declared and significant aid authorized, Argentina faces the immediate challenge of recovery and long-term resilience against similar future events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
