Severe flash floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have swept away two sisters and claimed 16 lives, prompting national mourning. The disaster follows an unprecedented rainfall event, leading to significant infrastructure and agricultural damage, with ongoing searches and recovery efforts supported by both government and community organizations.
In Argentina, rescuers are actively searching for two sisters aged one and five who were swept away by severe flash floods in Bahia Blanca over the weekend. The flood, resulting from over a year’s worth of rain falling within hours, has tragically killed 16 people and left the community in shock as the fate of the girls remains unknown.
The sisters were with their parents when their vehicle became stranded in the rising waters. A delivery van driver rescued them, but as the vehicle filled with water, they attempted to escape to the roof. Unfortunately, a surge of floodwater swept away the driver and the girls. While their mother and father survived, the driver’s body was recovered the following day.
In response to this disaster, Argentina’s government has declared three days of national mourning as approximately 500 individuals remain in temporary shelters. Reports indicate that 100 people are still unaccounted for, although many may be unable to reach out due to cell service disruptions and power outages caused by the floods.
Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, confirmed efforts to build embankments and employ pumps to lower water levels. As of now, around 70% of the city, with a population of 350,000, has had its electricity restored.
The aftermath of the flood reveals extensive destruction, with neighborhoods characterized by mud-filled streets, debris, and overturned vehicles. Local resident Guillermo Busteros reported a lack of basic services, such as public transportation and banking.
The storm inflicted an estimated $400 million in damage to infrastructure, with 23 schools notably affected. In response, the central government has approved emergency funds totaling 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million), while soccer clubs are initiating fundraising campaigns for victims.
Lionel Scaloni, the national football coach, called for donations through the Red Cross, alongside Atlanta football club director Simon Oliak, who noted a significant collection of donations. Lionel Messi also expressed support on Instagram, while Pope Francis conveyed his emotions towards the affected individuals amidst his hospital stay.
The floods damaged around two million hectares of farmland in Argentina’s agricultural region, with environment official Andrea Dufourg asserting that this event exemplifies climate change’s striking effects. Dufourg emphasized the need for city preparedness, citizen education, and robust early warning systems for future weather-related disasters.
Bahia Blanca has a history of weather-induced calamities, including a storm in 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities, with Buenos Aires province governor Axel Kicillof labeling the flooding as an “unprecedented catastrophe.”
The devastating floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have led to fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure and farmland, emblematic of the impact of climate change. As the community grapples with the ongoing search for victims, emergency responses and recovery efforts are initiated. National mourning reflects the profound loss felt across the country, with public figures and organizations mobilizing support for those affected. The recurring nature of such disasters underscores the urgent need for improved preparedness and response strategies.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
