Argentina has declared three days of mourning as a consequence of severe flooding in Bahía Blanca, which resulted in 16 fatalities and 2 children missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with significant infrastructural damage and widespread displacement. Educational activities and judicial sessions are paused in affected areas, and community support initiatives have emerged to aid victims.
On March 7, 2025, Argentina declared three days of national mourning following severe rainfall and flooding that resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and left two children missing in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province. This unprecedented weather event delivered more than 400 mm of rain, nearly 70% of the city’s annual average, prompting a crisis leading to significant casualties and displacement.
President Javier Milei expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families and acknowledged that the casualty figure might rise. The ongoing search for the two missing children, aged 1 and 5, has prompted rescue efforts along Route 3, where a driver tragically lost his life during the process. Currently, four fatalities have yet to be identified.
Local municipal head Federico Susbielles emphasized the importance of suspending classes on Friday to protect the community and praised the resilience exhibited by residents of Bahía Blanca during these dire circumstances. Approximately 1,450 individuals have been displaced, with 1,296 sheltered in various emergency evacuation centers.
In educational institutions, classes have been suspended until March 11 across the affected districts, including Bahía Blanca and Villarino, while damage assessments are ongoing for 261 schools. Furthermore, the Buenos Aires Supreme Court has announced a halt to judicial activities in Bahía Blanca until March 14 due to lack of utilities.
Significant infrastructural damage has been incurred, leading to the suspension of academic activities at the National University of the South until March 31. Electricity restoration efforts are progressing, with 65% of the city’s grid operational, although several hospitals are still experiencing issues due to flooding.
Transportation routes are severely impacted, particularly National Route 3, where emergency services are working diligently to establish detours and restore access. Local business organizations have appealed for leniency towards employees unable to commute due to the disaster, while Banco Nación has set up mobile ATMs to aid cash accessibility.
The flooding has devastated infrastructure, exemplified by the collapse of three bridges over the Napostá River, prompting further inspections across the city for structural stability. Donation centers have also been established, with essential supplies urgently required for the affected population.
A coordinated effort among football clubs nationwide is underway to support those impacted by the floods. Mayor Susbielles anticipates reconstruction costs may reach 400 billion pesos, as the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, announced an emergency fund of 10 billion pesos to assist relief efforts.
The extreme rainfall and flooding in Bahía Blanca have resulted in tragic loss of life and significant displacement, prompting national mourning in Argentina. With ongoing rescue efforts and assessments, local authorities are mobilizing to provide assistance and restore essential services, while the community exhibits resilience and solidarity in the face of disaster. Financial aid has been committed to support recovery and reconstruction efforts following the devastation.
Original Source: watchers.news
