Buenos Aires, March 7 – A devastating storm struck the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca, southwest of Buenos Aires, unleashing torrential rainfall that led to severe flooding, infrastructure collapse, and tragic loss of life. Officials confirmed at least 10 fatalities, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Within a few hours, over 260 millimeters (10 inches) of rain inundated the city, destroying bridges, washing away roads, and collapsing asphalt surfaces. The city government reported extensive damage and mobilized emergency response teams in collaboration with municipal authorities, the provincial government, the Argentine Navy, and the Army to assist affected residents.
The extreme weather event forced the evacuation of homes and healthcare facilities, including a hospital where social media footage showed desperate mothers fleeing with their newborn babies through flooded corridors. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri visited the city, sharing images of military trucks navigating the dark, waterlogged streets.
In response to the crisis, President Javier Milei canceled his scheduled engagements in Mendoza province, though it remains unclear if he will visit the disaster-stricken city. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced that the government has allocated 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in financial aid to support recovery efforts in Bahia Blanca, home to approximately 300,000 residents in Buenos Aires province.
As Argentina faces increasing climate-related disasters, this catastrophe highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness, urban resilience, and sustainable infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.