Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following a devastating flash flood that has claimed at least 16 lives, with many still unaccounted for. The catastrophic deluge struck on Friday, unleashing a year’s worth of rain in just hours on Bahia Blanca, a major port city in Buenos Aires province, inundating entire neighborhoods.
Among the heartbreaking stories emerging from this tragedy are the reports of two young sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away by the floodwaters. Provincial security minister Javier Alonso confirmed their disappearance, revealing that the girls had climbed onto the roof of a van with their mother to escape the rising waters when a sudden surge tore them away. Their mother was rescued, but the search for the sisters continues in areas where more than a meter of water remains.
Bahia Blanca Mayor Federico Susbielles reported that the flooding has resulted in an estimated $400 million in infrastructure damage. He noted in a press conference that while 16 deaths have been confirmed, the toll could rise as search efforts persist. The storm has also left much of the coastal area without power, prompting city officials to suspend electricity in response to the flooding.
In a statement from his office, Argentine President Javier Milei announced the mourning period, emphasizing that all government resources will be dedicated to assisting victims during this challenging time. The government has allocated 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) in emergency reconstruction aid.
Football legend Lionel Messi expressed his condolences on Instagram, offering support to those affected: “Much strength to all those who are having a rough time in this difficult moment.”
Environment official Andrea Dufourg highlighted the extreme weather as a stark reminder of climate change, stating, “Unfortunately, this will continue to take place… we must prepare our cities, educate citizens, and establish effective early warning systems.” Bahia Blanca has faced previous weather-related disasters, including a deadly storm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage.
As the nation mourns, the focus remains on recovery, support for the victims, and measures to mitigate future disasters.
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