Argentina has declared three days of mourning after flash floods in Bahia Blanca resulted in at least 16 deaths. The government pledged support for victims and has approved 10 billion pesos in emergency aid. The flooding, which brought nearly a year’s worth of rain in hours, has prompted warnings about future extreme weather events and the need for improved resilience measures.
Argentina has officially declared three days of national mourning due to catastrophic flash floods in Bahia Blanca, resulting in at least 16 fatalities, with further casualties anticipated. This announcement was made by President Javier Milei’s office on Sunday, which emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting victims impacted by this tragedy.
The flooding occurred on Friday, when a year’s worth of rainfall—approximately 260 millimeters—fell within a few hours, inundating entire neighborhoods and leaving thousands without electricity. Tragically, the victims included two young sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away while trying to secure refuge on a van’s roof alongside their mother.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities expressing concerns that the number of deceased may increase. Mayor Federico Susbielles of Bahia Blanca has assessed the damages at $400 million, labeling the incident as among the most severe flooding events in the city’s history. “There are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more,” Mayor Susbielles stated on social media.
In response to the disaster, the government has allocated 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) in emergency assistance. Additionally, renowned football player Lionel Messi conveyed his condolences and solidarity with those impacted by these floods through social media platforms.
Experts are pointing to this disaster as indicative of the rising threats posed by extreme weather conditions, urging authorities to enhance early warning systems and implement measures to bolster climate resilience.
The recent flash floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in significant human loss and devastation. The government’s swift declaration of mourning and emergency aid reflects the urgency and impact of this disaster. As the nation mourns, the need for improved climate adaptation and disaster preparedness has never been clearer, highlighting the importance of proactive measures against future extreme weather events.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
