10 dead after worst rains since 1933 hit Bahía Blanca, Argentina
Record-breaking rainfall hit Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, on March 7, 2025, causing severe floods in which at least 10 people lost their lives.
Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) coast guard in Bahía Blanca on March 7, 2025. Image credit: Ministry of National Security
At least 10 people have died, and over 1 300 have been evacuated in Bahía Blanca (population 336 000) following severe flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall on March 7.
The storm dumped up to 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain on parts of the coastal city in just 4 hours, far exceeding the previous record of 167.6 mm (6.6 inches) set on March 17, 1933. The city also saw a 154.9 mm (6.1 inches) storm on February 13, 1975, making this event the most extreme.
The National Integrated Risk Management System (SINAGIR), operating under the Ministry of National Security, declared a Red Alert for Bahía Blanca and confirmed that federal forces are assisting local authorities.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional fatalities.
The city has set up four evacuation centers to accommodate displaced families, with authorities updating the list of evacuees as connectivity is restored in affected areas.
The flood severely impacted critical infrastructure, including Dr. José Penna Hospital, where the neonatology wing was evacuated. The Army is assisting in transferring patients to other healthcare facilities using boats.
Public services remain heavily affected, with schools, public transportation, and Bahía Blanca’s airport shut down. Power outages have been implemented in flooded areas to prevent electrical hazards, and residents have been advised against handling electrical appliances or attempting to clear streets.
Civil defense teams, municipal and provincial authorities, the Army, and the Navy are coordinating emergency efforts to mitigate the impact.
Buenos Aires province Government Minister Carlos Bianco described the event as “a tragedy” and confirmed that officials are in constant communication with the city mayor.
References:
1 Storm in Bahía Blanca: 1,321 evacuated and 10 dead, assistance operations continue – La Nueva – March 7, 2025
2 At least 6 killed in Bahía Blanca after record rain causes floods – Buenos Aires Herald – March 7, 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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