The Argentine government announced three days of national mourning late Sunday, after the death toll from recent flash flooding rose to 16, with more still missing.
The deadly floods reportedly struck Friday when a year’s worth of rain fell in a matter of hours in and around Bahia Blanca, a major port city located in the south of Buenos Aires province, with entire neighborhoods inundated by the fast-rising waters.
Argentinians have been particularly shaken by tragic reports of two girls, aged one and five being swept away in the torrent.
Divers were doing yeoman’s job as they continue to search the area, where more than a meter of water remained, the Radio Mitre outlet reported.
According to Bahia Blanca mayor, Federico Susbielles in a press conference, the flooding had caused $400 million in infrastructure damage.
Susbielles later in a post on X, said there were 16 confirmed deaths, stating that there were likely to be more as search efforts continue.
The government has authorized emergency reconstruction aid of 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million at the official exchange rate).
Meanwhile, Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi offered his condolences on Instagram to the victims’ families
“Much strength to all those who are having a rough time in this difficult moment,” he wrote.
Bahia Blanca is said to have suffered past weather-related disasters, including a storm that claimed 13 lives in December 2023.
