Tragic Floods in Bahia Blanca: Rescue Efforts Underway for Missing Sisters

Rescuers in Argentina search for two missing sisters, aged one and five, after a devastating flood in Bahia Blanca that killed 16 people. The storm caused widespread damage, leading to significant infrastructure collapse. Authorities have declared national mourning as they implement recovery efforts. Notable support has emerged from public figures and the community in response to this disaster.

In Bahia Blanca, Argentina, rescue operations have been launched for two sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away by devastating flash floods that resulted in 16 fatalities over the weekend. The torrential downpour, equating to over a year’s worth of rainfall in just hours, inundated vast areas of the city, located approximately eight hours south of Buenos Aires.

The tragic circumstances unfolded when the girls and their parents found themselves stranded in their car amidst rapidly rising waters. A delivery van driver assisted in rescuing the children and their mother, but unfortunately, as the van began to fill with water, they were forced to climb onto its roof. A flood surge soon swept the driver and the girls away, while their mother and father survived. The delivery driver’s body was later recovered by authorities.

The Argentine government has declared a three-day period of national mourning for what has been described as one of the worst disasters in Bahia Blanca’s history. With roughly 500 individuals still residing in temporary shelters, authorities report that around 100 people remain unaccounted for, likely due to communication disruptions caused by the floods.

Mayor Federico Susbielles reported that efforts to control the flooding included building embankments and deploying pumps to reduce water levels. Efforts to restore electricity have achieved success in approximately 70 percent of the city, which has a population of 350,000.

The impact of the flooding has resulted in significant devastation, with images displaying neighborhoods overwhelmed with debris and destruction. Residents are facing challenges, with basic services such as public transport and banking significantly disrupted. Emergency services in the form of nearly 200 firefighters and 800 police officers have been mobilized to assist with the clean-up and ensure security against looting.

Financial estimates indicate that the disaster inflicted roughly $400 million in damages to infrastructure, with 23 schools reported to be severely affected. The government is authorized to provide emergency reconstruction aid totaling 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million).

Support for the victims has gained momentum, with soccer clubs launching donation campaigns. National team coach Lionel Scaloni has also contributed to this effort, encouraging support via the Red Cross. Noteworthy figures, including soccer star Lionel Messi and Pope Francis, have expressed their condolences and support.

Further compounding the tragedy, two million hectares of crucial farmland have suffered damage. An environmental policy official identified this extreme weather incident as a significant indicator of climate change, reinforcing the need for improved city preparedness and citizen education regarding such events. Bahia Blanca has a history of flooding incidents, and Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof has characterized the recent flooding as “an unprecedented catastrophe.”

The flash floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in a national tragedy with significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Efforts are underway to locate the missing sisters and restore the community. With substantial infrastructure damages, the government has committed to emergency aid and reconstruction, as citizens and organizations rally to support those affected. The event underscores the ongoing challenges of climate change and the importance of preparedness for future disasters.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com