Argentina Declares National Mourning as Flood Death Toll Rises to 16
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning after flash floods led to 16 confirmed deaths and further missing persons. The flooding primarily struck Bahia Blanca, inflicting around $400 million in infrastructure damage. The government pledged support for the victims and emphasized the need for climate change preparedness.
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following a tragic flooding incident that claimed 16 lives, with several individuals still unaccounted for. The flooding, which occurred when a year’s worth of rain descended within hours, severely impacted Bahia Blanca, a prominent port city in Buenos Aires province, leading to widespread inundation of neighborhoods.
Reports have highlighted the emotional devastation resulting from the floods, particularly the loss of two young sisters, aged one and five, who were tragically swept away while attempting to escape rising waters. Provincial security minister Javier Alonso confirmed their disappearance, noting that their mother was rescued after they climbed onto the roof of a van for safety. Search and recovery efforts continue despite the challenging conditions.
Bahia Blanca Mayor Federico Susbielles announced at a press briefing that the flooding inflicted approximately $400 million in damage to local infrastructure. As of now, the search for additional victims continues, with indications that the death toll may rise.
In response to the crisis, President Javier Milei’s office announced the national mourning and pledged government assistance to the victims, alongside emergency reconstruction aid. Additionally, Argentina’s national power grid was affected, leading to electricity suspensions in the city due to the flooding.
Argentinian football star Lionel Messi expressed his condolences via Instagram, extending support to affected families in this challenging time. Furthermore, Environmental official Andrea Dufourg emphasized that such extreme weather events are warnings of climate change and stressed the importance of preparedness in urban planning and citizen education to mitigate future disasters.
The devastating floods in Argentina have resulted in significant loss of life and damage, prompting national mourning and emergency responses from the government. Search efforts are ongoing, and authorities are focusing on both immediate victim assistance and long-term infrastructure repairs. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change and the necessity for communities to be better prepared for such emergencies.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
