Rescuers in Argentina are seeking two sisters swept away by floods in Bahia Blanca, which claimed 16 lives. Torrential rains inundated the city, causing extensive infrastructure damage and leaving over 500 people in temporary shelters. Efforts are underway for recovery and support from national figures, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change on such disasters.
On Monday, rescuers in Argentina initiated an intensive search for two sisters, aged one and five, who were carried away by flash floods during a tragic event in Bahia Blanca that resulted in 16 fatalities this past weekend. Unanticipated rainfall, equivalent to an entire year’s average, occurred within a few hours, causing widespread flooding throughout the port city, located approximately eight hours south of Buenos Aires.
The distressing situation revolves around the young girls who, alongside their parents, found themselves trapped in their vehicle amid rapidly rising waters. Reports indicate a delivery van driver successfully rescued the children and their mother, but the vehicle eventually filled with water, compelling them to climb onto the roof as the flood surged, which tragically swept away the driver and the girls.
While the mothers and fathers of the children survived, the delivery driver’s body was recovered on Sunday. In response to this significant disaster, the government has declared three days of national mourning as around 500 individuals remain in temporary shelters four days following the floods, with around 100 individuals still unaccounted for due to disrupted communication services and power outages in the region.
Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, disclosed that efforts are underway to reconstruct embankments and utilize pumps to mitigate water levels. Approximately 70% of households have regained electricity following the storm’s devastation in a city with a population of 350,000.
The aftermath has revealed severely affected neighborhoods, with streets covered in mud, debris, and overturned vehicles. Local resident Guillermo Busteros expressed distress over the lack of public services, stating, “There are still no buses, no banks and if you have to buy something, you have to do it in cash.”
The estimated infrastructure damage from the storm stands at around $400 million, with numerous schools significantly impacted and parts of the city submerged in five feet of mud. In response, the central government has approved emergency reconstruction assistance amounting to 10 billion pesos, or approximately $9.2 million, as local soccer organizations have mobilized to raise funds for those affected.
Notable figures, including soccer star Lionel Messi and Pope Francis, expressed their condolences. Messi extended wishes through Instagram, urging resilience among those affected, while Pope Francis conveyed his empathy towards the victims despite his hospitalization.
Moreover, climate officials highlighted that about two million hectares of farmland have suffered due to this extreme weather, attributing it to climate change. Environmental policy director Andrea Dufourg emphasized the necessity for preparation and education regarding climate resilience, as Bahia Blanca has faced devastating weather events in the past, including a previous storm that resulted in 13 deaths.
In summary, the flash floods in Bahia Blanca have led to significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, prompting national mourning and emergency response efforts. The search for the two missing sisters continues amidst widespread devastation and disruption of essential services. As local and national authorities respond, the tragedy has drawn international attention, emphasizing the pressing need to address climate change and enhance city preparedness for such catastrophic events.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
