Argentina in Mourning Following Floods in Bahia Blanca

Argentina mourns 16 lives lost in flooding in Bahia Blanca, with more missing. President Javier Milei declared three days of mourning. The floods resulted from 10 inches of rain falling in hours, causing significant infrastructure damage estimated at $400 million. The government has pledged $9.2 million in aid to support recovery efforts.

Argentina is currently in mourning following a catastrophic flash flood that claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals in the port city of Bahia Blanca, which is located south of Buenos Aires. Additionally, several individuals remain missing due to this tragic event. In response, President Javier Milei has enacted a national mourning period of three days to honor the victims and their families.

The floods occurred after the city experienced excessive rainfall, with approximately 260 millimeters (10 inches) falling within a few hours. This immense amount of rainfall, equivalent to an entire year’s average, resulted in devastating consequences. The Minister of Security for Buenos Aires Province, Javier Alonso, reported that two young girls, aged one and five, were swept away during the flooding and are among the confirmed fatalities.

Bahia Blanca’s Mayor, Federico Susbielles, indicated that the flooding has inflicted significant damage, estimated at $400 million, on the city’s infrastructure. He acknowledged in a news conference that while 16 deaths have been confirmed, ongoing search efforts may reveal more casualties.

Furthermore, much of the coastal area surrounding Bahia Blanca experienced power outages as a result of the flooding. In light of the devastation, Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced on social media that the government has pledged 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) in financial aid to support the affected residents of Bahia Blanca, which has a population of around 300,000.

In summary, Argentina is grieving the loss of lives due to the severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, which has prompted national mourning and substantial government aid. The heavy rainfall has led to considerable infrastructure damage and ongoing search operations. The government’s commitment to assisting the community during this tragic time reflects the urgency of the situation, and continued efforts are crucial to providing support for the affected individuals and areas.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com