Argentina declared three days of national mourning after flash floods raised the death toll to 16, with ongoing search efforts for the missing. The flooding, contributing to massive infrastructure damage, particularly impacted Bahia Blanca. Government officials and public figures extend support, while climate change concerns are emphasized as contributors to these extreme weather events.
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following the increase in the death toll from recent flash floods to 16, alongside reports of individuals still missing. The severe flooding occurred when an entire year’s worth of rainfall fell within just a few hours, particularly impacting Bahia Blanca, a prominent port city in Southern Buenos Aires province, resulting in significant neighborhood inundation.
The nation is particularly distressed by the tragic fate of two young sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away during the floods. According to Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso, the siblings had climbed onto a van’s roof with their mother for safety when a surge of water carried them off; their mother was successfully rescued. Recovery operations persisted in the area, which remains submerged under over a meter of water.
Bahia Blanca’s Mayor Federico Susbielles reported substantial infrastructure damage amounting to $400 million, while also indicating that the confirmed death toll might rise, with search-and-rescue efforts ongoing. The flooding has left many areas without electricity, prompting city officials to temporarily suspend the electric supply in certain locations.
President Javier Milei announced a national mourning period to honor the deceased, with his office committing national resources to assist victims during this difficult time. Emergency reconstruction aid totaling 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) has also been approved by the government for affected areas.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi extended his condolences to the affected families via Instagram, emphasizing solidarity during these challenging times. Furthermore, Environment Official Andrea Dufourg highlighted the flooding as an instance of climate change, stressing the necessity for better city preparedness, citizen education, and effective early warning systems to mitigate future disasters. Bahia Blanca has experienced previous environmental catastrophes, including a storm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and extensive damage.
In conclusion, the recent flash floods in Argentina have resulted in 16 confirmed deaths, exacerbating national mourning and highlighting the need for improved disaster readiness and climate change awareness. The government is mobilizing resources to assist victims and has declared a period of mourning, while public figures like President Milei and Lionel Messi lend their support to the affected families. The situation in Bahia Blanca serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
