Argentina Declares Mourning After Deadly Floods in Bahia Blanca
Argentina is mourning 16 deaths from flash floods in Bahia Blanca, where an unprecedented rainfall caused significant destruction. President Milei has declared three days of national mourning, and the government pledged $9.2 million in financial aid to assist the affected communities.
Argentina is in mourning following devastating flash floods in Bahia Blanca, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and several individuals still unaccounted for. President Javier Milei has proclaimed three days of national mourning in response to this tragedy, though the specific start date of this period has not been disclosed.
The floods occurred on Friday, as an extraordinary amount of rainfall, approximately 260 millimeters (10 inches), fell within hours, leaving significant destruction in its wake, particularly impacting Bahia Blanca, a key port city located south of Buenos Aires.
Confirmed casualties included two young girls swept away by the floodwaters, as stated by Buenos Aires Province’s Minister of Security, Javier Alonso. Additionally, Mayor Federico Susbielles reported that the flooding inflicted around $400 million in infrastructure damage. He acknowledged that while 16 deaths have been confirmed, the actual number may rise as rescue operations continue.
In the aftermath of the disaster, many coastal areas have lost power. Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced the authorization of 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) in financial aid to support Bahia Blanca and its 300,000 inhabitants during this critical time.
This tragic event underscores the severe impact of climate-related disasters, reflecting the urgent need for adequate infrastructure and emergency preparedness. As Argentina mourns its lost citizens, the government’s response, including financial support and search efforts, highlights its commitment to aiding the affected communities. The extent of the damage and loss of life serves as a grave reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by coastal cities in the face of extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
