Argentina has declared three days of national mourning after flash floods in Bahia Blanca claimed 16 lives, including two young sisters. The floods, caused by a year’s worth of rainfall in hours, have led to significant infrastructure damage and ongoing rescue efforts. Authorities are addressing the immediate needs of the affected citizens while highlighting the urgent implications of climate change.
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following devastating flash floods that resulted in 16 fatalities in Bahia Blanca, where an entire year’s worth of rainfall fell in a matter of hours, flooding entire neighborhoods. Tragically, the floodwaters swept away two young sisters, only one and five years old, highlighting the human toll of this disaster.
The floods began on Friday, overwhelming the city, which is a significant port in the southern part of Buenos Aires province. Provincial security minister Javier Alonso confirmed on Sunday that the sisters had sought refuge on a van roof alongside their mother when the waters surged. While their mother was rescued, the search for the children remains ongoing, with divers still combing the area.
Mayor Federico Susbielles reported that the floods inflicted an estimated $400 million in damages to infrastructure. He later expressed concerns about the potential for more casualties, indicating, “there are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more” as rescue efforts persist. Meanwhile, power outages were noted across the coastal region due to extensive flooding.
The office of President Javier Milei announced the mourning period without specifying when it would commence, underlining the government’s commitment to supporting victims and their families. They have also approved emergency reconstruction aid amounting to 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million).
In a display of solidarity, renowned footballer Lionel Messi shared his condolences on Instagram, stating, “Much strength to all those who are having a rough time in this difficult moment.”
Environment official Andrea Dufourg described the flooding as a stark illustration of climate change, stressing the need for cities to be better prepared and for effective early warning systems to be established. Bahia Blanca has seen its share of weather-related disasters, including a previous storm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage.
In light of the recent tragedy in Bahia Blanca, Argentina mourns the loss of lives caused by unprecedented flooding. With ongoing rescue efforts and economic assistance, the nation grapples with the immediate impacts of this natural disaster while recognizing its broader implications related to climate change. As communities come together to support the victims, there is a renewed call for proper urban planning and preparation for future weather events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
