Argentina mourns the death of 16 individuals in Bahia Blanca due to catastrophic floods. President Javier Milei declared a three-day period of mourning while the government allocates $9.2 million in financial aid for recovery efforts. Significant destruction and ongoing search operations are also reported, with long-term implications on affected communities.
Argentina is currently in mourning as it faces the aftermath of severe floods in the port city of Bahia Blanca, which have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 16 individuals, with several others still unaccounted for. President Javier Milei has declared a period of three days of national mourning following the devastating flash floods caused by heavy rainfall. Although the specific start date of this mourning period has not been announced, the president’s office has emphasized the nationwide emotional toll of this disaster.
The floods occurred on a Friday, when Bahia Blanca experienced a deluge that brought an unprecedented 260 millimeters (10 inches) of rain within a few hours. Minister of Security for the Province of Buenos Aires, Javier Alonso, confirmed that among the victims were two young girls, aged one and five, who tragically became victims of the raging waters.
Mayor Federico Susbielles of Bahia Blanca reported significant ramifications from the floods, estimating infrastructure damages to be around $400 million. During a news conference, he noted, “there are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more,” as search operations for missing persons are ongoing. The storm has also left many coastal areas without electricity, significantly disrupting daily life.
Furthermore, Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced that the government has authorized financial support amounting to 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) for Bahia Blanca, a city that houses around 300,000 residents, to assist in recovery efforts amid this crisis. The government’s dedication to alleviating the struggles faced by the victims has been reiterated in several statements.
In summary, Argentina is mourning the loss of lives due to devastating floods in Bahia Blanca, with significant infrastructural damage reported. The government has initiated a national mourning period while providing financial assistance and resources to support affected families and infrastructure recovery. The tragic events highlight the impact of severe weather conditions and the urgent need for effective disaster responses.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
