Argentina’s Bahia Blanca Faces Devastation from Severe Flooding

Flash flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has resulted in at least 16 deaths and over 1,000 evacuations due to torrential rains. Authorities are searching for two missing girls who were swept away. The flooding has caused infrastructure damage of approximately $400 million, prompting the government to allocate emergency reconstruction aid.

On March 8, 2025, torrential rains resulted in severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, located 600 km south of Buenos Aires, leading to 16 confirmed fatalities and the evacuation of over 1,000 residents. The rainfall totaled what is typically received in a year, causing significant destruction to homes, hospitals, and roads in numerous neighborhoods. Mayor Federico Susbielles reported infrastructure damages reaching $400 million and expressed concerns that the death toll could rise as search operations persist.

Search efforts are particularly focused on two missing girls, aged one and five, who were reportedly swept away while on the roof of a vehicle alongside their mother. Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso indicated that divers are actively searching areas where more than one meter of water remains. The incident has garnered national attention and deep concern from the public.

The heavy storm also led to widespread power outages in the surrounding coastal regions. Authorities briefly suspended electricity in Bahia Blanca due to the flooding. In response to the disaster, the government has allocated emergency reconstruction aid of 10 billion pesos, approximately $9.2 million at the official exchange rate. Bahia Blanca previously experienced severe weather issues, including a deadly storm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 deaths and extensive infrastructure damage.

The flooding in Bahia Blanca has had devastating effects, leading to a rising death toll, uncertainty regarding missing persons, and significant financial implications for infrastructure repair. With emergency aid measures underway, the community faces both immediate challenges and a long recovery process as it grapples with the aftermath of this disaster.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com