Buenos Aires: Severe flooding triggered by heavy rains has claimed at least 10 lives in the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca, located southwest of Buenos Aires. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
The storm dumped more than 260 millimeters (10 inches) of rain within hours, causing extensive damage. Bridges were destroyed, and sections of asphalt roads collapsed, exacerbating the crisis. Local officials said emergency teams were working to assess the full extent of the destruction.
Heavy rains in the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca, southwest of Buenos Aires, left at least 10 people dead and caused substantial flooding https://t.co/jDqv9cTOZD pic.twitter.com/TTnhL9oclO
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 8, 2025
“All available resources are being deployed with municipal teams, the provincial government, the navy, and the Argentine army to provide assistance,” Bahia Blanca authorities stated on X.
The torrential downpour forced the evacuation of residents from homes and health centers in the commercial port hub, which lies approximately 600 km (400 miles) from the capital. Footage circulating on social media showed distraught mothers carrying their newborns through a flooded hospital as water levels surged.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri traveled to Bahia Blanca, sharing images of military trucks navigating the submerged streets under the cover of darkness.
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In response to the disaster, President Javier Milei canceled his planned engagements in Mendoza province on Saturday, according to presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni. However, Adorni did not confirm whether Milei would visit the affected region.
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced on X that the government had approved 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in financial aid to support Bahia Blanca, a city home to approximately 300,000 residents.
