Argentina declares national mourning after extreme rainfall kills 16, leaves two children missing in Bahía Blanca
Argentina has declared three days of mourning after extreme rainfall and severe flooding resulted in the deaths of 16 people and 2 children missing in the coastal city of Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, on March 7, 2025.
Image credit: Ministry of Defense
Argentine President Javier Milei declared three days of national mourning following an extreme rainfall event in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, on March 7. The event brought over 400 mm (15.7 inches) of rain in a single day—nearly 70% of the city’s annual total—triggering a devastating flood that left at least 16 people dead and two children missing.
The latest casualty is a driver from the Andreani company who was involved in a failed rescue attempt of two missing girls, aged 1 and 5, along Route 3. Search efforts for the children are ongoing. Four of the victims remain unidentified.
“First of all, I want to send my condolences to the loved ones of those who died as a result of the storm. So far, there are 16 confirmed deaths, but it is likely that there are more. The search for Delfina and Pilar, the two girls who were in the van, is still ongoing,” Federico Susbielles, Bahía Blanca’s municipal head, stated.
“Today we can confirm that suspending classes on Friday morning was a decision that allowed us to save many lives. In this difficult time, I want to acknowledge the solidarity of the people of Bahía Blanca, who always show their best side in the most difficult moments. We continue working to provide assistance throughout the city.”
Approximately 1 450 people have been displaced, with 1 296 currently housed in 13 evacuation centers.
The General Directorate of Culture and Education of Buenos Aires confirmed that classes are suspended until March 11 across the Bahía Blanca, Coronel Rosales, and Villarino districts. Education authorities are assessing damage to 261 schools, with 23 reporting severe damage.
The Buenos Aires Supreme Court of Justice suspended all judicial activities in Bahía Blanca until March 14, citing the loss of electricity, water, and internet access. A special working group has been formed to assess damage to court infrastructure and assist affected employees.
The National University of the South (UNS) has suspended all academic activities until March 31 because of severe damage to its infrastructure and communication networks.
The energy provider, Southern Energy Distribution Company S.A. (EDES), reported that 65% of the city’s electrical grid is operational again, with 400 workers deployed. The Penna, Español, HAM, Matera, and Municipal hospitals now have power restored, but Hospital Privado del Sur remains affected because of a flooded chamber.
Telecommunications companies, including Telecom, Movistar, and Claro, are working with EDES to restore mobile network connectivity.
The National Roads Department (Vialidad Nacional) is working to restore access to Bahía Blanca and surrounding areas. A Bailey bridge is being considered for National Route 3 at the Maldonado Canal, where floodwaters severely damaged roadways.
On National Route 3, multiple sections remain closed because of flooding, and emergency teams are working to construct detours. The National Roads Department is using heavy machinery, including backhoes and hydraulic cranes, to restore access.
The Corporation of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Bahía Blanca, along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Union, has requested that businesses not deduct wages for employees unable to attend work because of the disaster. This measure also applies to municipal workers.
Banco Nación has deployed four mobile ATMs to support cash withdrawals in affected areas. Petrol stations are experiencing long queues because of shortages, but the Chamber of Fuel Operators stated that fuel supply should stabilize by March 12.
The Napostá River bridges suffered extreme damage, with three out of four collapsing. Engineers are assessing foundation stability across the city as concerns grow over possible building collapses.
Donation centers have been set up across the city, including the Liniers Club at 12 de Octubre 1046. Essential items needed include non-perishable food, drinking water, cleaning supplies, blankets, and personal hygiene products.
Football clubs countrywide have mobilized to support relief efforts. Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing Club, San Lorenzo, and Independiente are among those collecting supplies for flood victims.
Mayor Federico Susbielles estimated the reconstruction costs to be at least 400 billion pesos ($455 million). Argentina’s Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, announced a 10 billion peso ($11.4 million) emergency fund for relief efforts.
Emergency measures are in place, including electricity and water restoration, aid distribution, and temporary business closures.
References:
1 A new victim has been confirmed, bringing the death toll from the flood in Bahía Blanca to 16 – La Nueva – March 9, 2025
2 The Cooperativa Obrera announced the opening of more branches in Bahia after the flood – La Nueva – March 10, 2025
3 10 dead after worst rains since 1933 hit Bahía Blanca, Argentina – The Watchers – March 8, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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