Flash floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in 16 deaths and significant devastation, prompting rescue efforts for two missing sisters. The disaster, characterized by over a year’s rainfall in hours, has left thousands in temporary shelters and caused severe infrastructure damage estimated at $400 million. The community, alongside national support, is working to recover, raising funds for victims and addressing climate change concerns.
Rescue efforts in Argentina are underway as authorities search for two sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away by flash floods in Bahia Blanca over the weekend, leading to 16 fatalities. The flooding was so severe that it delivered over a year’s worth of rain within hours, affecting numerous neighborhoods in the port city located approximately eight hours south of Buenos Aires.
The sisters were traveling with their parents when their vehicle became trapped in rising waters. A nearby delivery van driver attempted to save the family, managing to bring the mother and children into his vehicle, which subsequently sank. The family climbed onto the roof; however, a surge in the floodwaters swept away the driver and the infants. The mother and father survived, while the body of the driver was recovered later.
In light of this tragedy, the Argentine government has declared three days of national mourning for what is recognized as Bahia Blanca’s most disastrous event in decades. Approximately 500 individuals are still seeking shelter four days post-flooding, and reports indicate that 100 people remain unaccounted for, likely due to widespread communication and power outages that hinder reaching out to families.
Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, informed the press that embankments are being erected, and pumps are being utilized to lower water levels, with electricity restored to about 70% of households in the city housing 350,000 residents.
The aftermath of the flooding has unveiled devastating damage across the city, with streets covered in debris and mud. Residents report a lack of basic services, including transportation and banking facilities, leading to reliance on cash transactions. A combined effort of 200 firefighters and nearly 800 police officers has been initiated for clean-up and to prevent looting, amidst an estimated infrastructure damage of $400 million.
Disastrous impacts extend to education, with approximately 23 schools reported to be severely damaged and some areas subsisting under 1.5 meters of mud. The national government has released emergency reconstruction funding amounting to 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million). Local sports clubs have mobilized fundraising campaigns, with the Argentine Football Association and various soccer clubs urging donations for the affected population.
Support also came from notable figures such as soccer star Lionel Messi, who expressed solidarity on social media, alongside Pope Francis who articulated his compassion towards victims while undergoing medical treatment. Environmental experts have linked this severe weather event to climate change, emphasizing the necessity for cities to adapt and develop efficient emergency systems to mitigate future disasters. Governor Axel Kicillof has termed this flooding tenable as an “unprecedented catastrophe.”
The flash floods in Bahia Blanca have resulted in a tragic loss of life and significant devastation, with ongoing rescue efforts for two missing sisters symbolizing the emotional strain on the community. As the region copes with extensive infrastructural damage, calls for aid and support underscore the resilience of the Argentinian people. The disaster is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, prompting renewed discussions on urban preparedness and emergency response systems.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
