Argentina in Mourning: Devastating Flooding in Bahía Blanca Causes Deaths and Displacement
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning after severe flooding in Bahía Blanca, resulting in 16 deaths and two missing children. Over 1,450 people have been displaced, and classes have been suspended until March 11. Emergency measures are ongoing, including restoration of services and assessment of damages, with estimated reconstruction costs reaching 400 billion pesos ($455 million).
On March 7, 2025, Argentina initiated a three-day period of national mourning due to extreme rainfall and subsequent flooding in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, resulting in 16 fatalities and two children reported missing. The downpour exceeded 400 mm within a single day, nearly 70% of the city’s annual rainfall, leading to a catastrophic flooding situation.
During this tragic event, a driver from the Andreani company lost his life while attempting to rescue the two missing girls, ages 1 and 5, along Route 3. Ongoing search efforts are actively seeking the children, while four victims remain unidentified.
In response to the crisis, Bahía Blanca’s municipal head, Federico Susbielles, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and highlighted the importance of prior decisions, such as suspending classes, which contributed to saving lives. Approximately 1,450 residents have been displaced, with 1,296 individuals currently residing in evacuation centers.
The General Directorate of Culture and Education has confirmed that educational institutions will remain closed until March 11, while authorities evaluate the damages to 261 schools, with 23 experiencing significant destruction. Furthermore, all judicial activities have been suspended by the Buenos Aires Supreme Court until March 14 due to infrastructural impacts from the flooding.
The National University of the South has announced a suspension of all academic activities until March 31 as a result of severe infrastructure destruction and communication failures. Meanwhile, efforts to restore basic services, including electricity and telecommunications, are underway, with significant progress reported by local utility providers.
The National Roads Department is in the process of restoring access to Bahía Blanca, with ongoing construction efforts to establish detours due to road closures. The local business community is advocating for wage protections for employees affected by the crisis, and Banco Nación has set up mobile ATMs to facilitate cash withdrawals for residents.
Given extensive infrastructural damage, officials estimate reconstruction costs will reach at least 400 billion pesos ($455 million). The Minister of Economy has announced a preliminary emergency fund of 10 billion pesos ($11.4 million) to assist with relief efforts, while donations and support from football clubs across Argentina are also being organized.
In summary, Argentina’s national mourning reflects the seriousness of the flooding disaster in Bahía Blanca, which has resulted in numerous fatalities and significant displacement. The ongoing search for missing persons, along with various emergency measures aimed at restoring services and ensuring community solidarity, underscores the dire situation. The estimated reconstruction costs and governmental aid efforts signal the long-term impacts and necessary recovery actions in the aftermath of this devastating event.
Original Source: watchers.news
