Milei’s Urgent Visit to Bahía Blanca Following Catastrophic Floods

In the wake of devastating storms that struck the Argentinian port city of Bahía Blanca, President Javier Milei has made a critical visit to oversee recovery efforts. The heavy rain, which fell continuously for several hours, caused severe flooding, leading to at least 16 tragic deaths and leaving around 100 individuals unaccounted for. Milei’s visit on Wednesday was intended to monitor the aftermath and speak with emergency personnel responding to the crisis, but it was not without controversy.

Devastating Floods Hit Bahía Blanca

The fierce storms that worsened on Friday overwhelmed Bahía Blanca’s infrastructure, resulting in record rainfall—over 400 mm in just eight hours. This amount is roughly equal to what the city typically receives in an entire year, revealing the sheer severity of the situation. Roads and bridges succumbed to the rain, leading to significant damage and a desperate situation for many residents. Rescue operations have been underway, with the provincial government deploying aid and support to those affected.

Search for Survivors

• Rescue teams are tirelessly working to find the remaining 94 missing individuals, including two young sisters who have yet to be located.
• Evacuations have taken place, with over 1,100 residents forced to leave their homes, some aided by helicopters and ambulances sent by the provincial government.
• The local hospital had to evacuate newborn babies and other patients as flooding disrupted normal operations.

Response from Leadership

During his visit, Milei pledged 200 billion pesos (about US$185 million) to aid the reconstruction efforts in Bahía Blanca. This promise comes after widespread criticism of the federal government’s initial response, which involved a mere US$10 million in aid. Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof has urged the use of funds from the International Monetary Fund to support recovery, emphasizing the dire need for better financial support.

Community Solidarity and Struggle

The local community has shown tremendous resilience in the face of this disaster. A remarkable ‘train of solidarity’ has emerged, with over 4,000 volunteers stepping up to deliver aid and assistance to those in need. However, the situation remains tense, as incidents of looting have caused further distress. Authorities have made several arrests—17 individuals have been detained for various criminal activities connected to the aftereffects of the storm.

Concerns for the Future

The heavy storms and their impacts are being attributed to climate change, a factor that has been highlighted by local officials as well as researchers. As the community grapples with recovery, fears of further flooding and severe weather persist. With reconstruction costs estimated at a staggering US$400 million, many residents are left wondering how long it will take for Bahía Blanca to return to normal.