Argentina Declares Three Days of National Mourning as Flash Flood Death Toll Reaches 16
Argentina is in mourning following the deadly flash floods that struck Bahia Blanca, a major port city located 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, late last week. The extreme weather event, which saw a year’s worth of rain fall in just a few hours, has claimed at least 16 lives, with many more still missing.
The floods, which began on Friday, inundated entire neighborhoods in the city and surrounding areas, causing widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities continuing to search for missing persons. Among the tragic reports is the disappearance of two young girls, aged one and five, who were swept away by the surging waters. Their mother had managed to cling to a van’s roof to escape the flood but tragically lost her children in the torrent. Divers are still searching the area, where over a meter of water remains.
Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, confirmed that the floods have caused significant infrastructure damage, with estimates of over $400 million. The storms caused power outages across the city, with authorities forced to suspend electricity due to the depth of the water. At least 1,000 people were evacuated from affected areas, and rescue teams are still working to provide aid.
The total number of deaths is expected to rise, as Susbielles stated that the 16 confirmed deaths are likely to increase as search and rescue operations continue. The flooding has also caused widespread damage to homes, hospitals, roads, and vehicles, leaving communities in desperate need of help.
In response to the tragedy, Argentine President Javier Milei announced that three days of national mourning would be declared, although the exact dates for the mourning period were not specified. The government has committed to aiding the victims, with a special emergency reconstruction aid package of 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) authorized to help with recovery efforts.
Milei’s office released a statement, affirming that “all areas of the national government will remain dedicated… to assisting the victims in this moment of sorrow for all Argentines.”
Environment officials have stressed that the extreme weather event is a clear indicator of the impacts of climate change. Andrea Dufourg, director of environmental policy for Ituzaingo, called the floods a reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. “Unfortunately, this will continue to take place,” she said, urging the need for better city preparation, citizen education, and early warning systems to mitigate future disasters.
The disaster has brought attention to the vulnerability of cities like Bahia Blanca, which experienced a similar tragedy in December 2023 when a storm caused the deaths of 13 people and significant infrastructure damage.
In the wake of the floods, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi expressed his condolences on social media, sending strength and support to those affected by the catastrophe. “Much strength to all those who are having a rough time in this difficult moment,” he wrote on Instagram.
As recovery efforts continue, the city and the country face the daunting task of rebuilding and ensuring better preparedness for future extreme weather events. The tragic loss of life, especially of young children, has deeply shaken the nation as Argentina stands united in mourning.
