Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following devastating flash floods in Bahia Blanca, which have claimed at least 16 lives, with more feared dead.
President Javier Milei’s office announced the mourning period late on Sunday, pledging full government support to assist victims of the disaster.
“All areas of the national government will remain dedicated… to assisting the victims in this moment of sorrow for all Argentines,” the presidency announced.
The flooding struck on Friday when an entire year’s worth of rain—approximately 260 millimetres—fell in just a few hours, leaving entire neighbourhoods submerged and thousands without power.
Authorities confirmed that among the victims were two young sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away while seeking refuge on a van’s roof with their mother.
Rescue teams continue searching for missing persons as concerns grow that the death toll could rise further.
Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, estimated the damage at $400 million and warned that the flooding was among the worst in the city’s history.
“There are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more,” Mayor Susbielles said on X.
The government has approved 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in emergency aid.
Football star Lionel Messi shared condolences on social media, expressing solidarity with those affected.
Experts warn that the disaster highlights the increasing threat of extreme weather events, urging authorities to strengthen early warning systems and climate resilience measures.
