Argentina has declared three days of mourning after extreme rainfall resulted in 16 fatalities and two children missing in Bahía Blanca. Emergency measures are underway with evacuations, school closures, and support for displaced residents. The estimated reconstruction cost is 400 billion pesos, as aid efforts continue.
On March 7, 2025, Argentina declared three days of national mourning due to extreme rainfall resulting in severe flooding in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province. The unprecedented rainfall exceeded 400 mm (15.7 inches) in a single day, accounting for nearly 70% of the city’s annual total. This catastrophic event has led to the deaths of 16 individuals and left two children missing, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts.
President Javier Milei expressed his deep condolences for the victims of the storm. Federico Susbielles, the municipal head of Bahía Blanca, confirmed that one of the fatalities was a driver involved in the rescue attempt of the missing children, aged 1 and 5. At present, four of the deceased remain unidentified, and officials are hopeful for a resolution in the search for the young girls.
In response to the disaster, approximately 1,450 people have been displaced, with 1,296 currently accommodated in 13 evacuation centers. The General Directorate of Culture and Education of Buenos Aires announced that schools in Bahía Blanca and nearby districts will remain closed until March 11 as assessments of the damage to 261 schools, with 23 experiencing significant destruction, are underway.
The Buenos Aires Supreme Court of Justice has halted all judicial activities in Bahía Blanca until March 14 due to extensive disruptions including power outages and the loss of internet access. A special task force has been initiated to evaluate damage to court facilities and extend support to employees impacted by the flooding.
Concurrently, the National University of the South (UNS) has postponed all academic activities until March 31 due to substantial damage to its infrastructure and communication systems. The energy provider, EDES, has restored operations for 65% of the city’s electrical grid, while hospitals affected by power outages are gradually returning to functionality.
The National Roads Department is making efforts to restore access to Bahía Blanca, and a Bailey bridge is under consideration for National Route 3, which was severely compromised by the floodwaters. Many sections of this route remain closed; emergency teams are actively constructing detours to facilitate travel.
The local business community has been encouraged not to penalize employees for absences due to the flooding, a measure supported by the Corporation of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Bahía Blanca. Banco Nación has also implemented mobile ATMs for cash withdrawals in disaster-stricken areas amidst shortages that have led to long queues at petrol stations.
Residents and organizations throughout the country are mobilizing to provide essential support. Donation centers have been established for the collection of non-perishable food, water, and hygiene products, while various football clubs are gathering supplies for the affected individuals. The estimated cost for reconstruction due to the floods is projected to be at least 400 billion pesos ($455 million). In response, the Minister of Economy announced a 10 billion peso ($11.4 million) emergency fund to aid relief efforts.
In summary, the recent extreme rainfall in Bahía Blanca has led to a tragic loss of life and significant displacement of residents, prompting Argentina to declare national mourning. Emergency measures are in place to provide essential support to victims, and considerable efforts are being made for recovery and reconstruction. The involvement of local authorities, the business community, and citizens underscores the resilience and solidarity of the affected regions during this crisis.
Original Source: watchers.news
