Argentina has announced three days of national mourning after flash floods in Bahia Blanca resulted in 16 deaths and caused extensive damage. The floods struck in a matter of hours, affecting neighborhoods and leaving many missing. The government has implemented emergency aid, while public figures express condolences. Experts are calling attention to climate change’s role in extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for preparation and effective response systems.
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following recent flash floods that have resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 individuals in Bahia Blanca. The floods occurred when an entire year’s worth of rain fell within a few hours, inundating local neighborhoods and causing significant devastation. Among the casualties were two young girls, aged one and five, who were swept away during the flood while their mother managed to escape.
The floods struck on a Friday, impacting the port city of Bahia Blanca in Buenos Aires province severely. Concerns continue as authorities report that some individuals remain missing. Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso confirmed the sisters’ tragic incident, highlighting that they had sought refuge on a van’s roof before being taken by the rushing waters, while their mother was rescued. Ongoing search efforts are being conducted by divers in the area, which still sits with more than a meter of water.
Mayor Federico Susbielles has estimated the infrastructure damage caused by the flooding to be around $400 million. He noted that search efforts are still ongoing as he anticipates that the confirmed death toll may rise beyond the current 16. The storm also resulted in widespread power outages around Bahia Blanca, forcing officials to suspend electricity due to the excessive water levels.
In response to this disaster, President Javier Milei announced the national mourning, stating that all sectors of the government would aid victims during this tragic time. Additionally, the government has approved emergency reconstruction assistance amounting to 10 billion pesos, equivalent to approximately $9.2 million.
Renowned Argentine footballer Lionel Messi shared his condolences on social media to the bereaved families, expressing his heartfelt support during this challenging time. Furthermore, environmental official Andrea Dufourg cited this event as an example of climate change, stressing the necessity for cities to prepare for such occurrences and implement effective warning systems. Bahia Blanca has a history of weather-related tragedies, including a previous storm that claimed 13 lives in December 2023, highlighting the increasing severity of climate impacts.
In conclusion, Argentina is mourning the loss of 16 lives due to catastrophic flash floods in Bahia Blanca, which have raised urgent concerns about infrastructure safety and climate change preparedness. The government’s declaration of three days of mourning and the announcement of emergency aid underscores the severity of the situation. The heartfelt condolences shared by public figures, including Lionel Messi, reflect the national sorrow. Moving forward, it is crucial for authorities to implement strategies to mitigate the effects of such extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
