Argentina declares national mourning as Bahia Blanca floods kill 16

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Argentina declared three days of national mourning after flash floods devastated the port city of Bahia Blanca, killing at least 16 people, officials announced late Sunday.

"There are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more," Mayor Federico Susbielles said on X.

Rescue teams continue searching for the missing as fears grow that the death toll could rise.

Among the most harrowing cases, two young sisters, aged 1 and 5, were swept away after climbing onto a van’s roof with their mother to escape the rising waters.

The federal government has pledged 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in emergency aid. President Javier Milei’s office vowed that "all areas of the national government will remain dedicated … to assisting the victims in this moment of sorrow for all Argentines."

Argentina’s football icon Lionel Messi shared condolences on Instagram, saying: "Much strength to all those who are having a rough time in this difficult moment."

The disaster struck Friday when a year’s worth of rain overwhelmed Bahia Blanca, a key port city in the Buenos Aires province. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and thousands were left without power.

Experts warned the disaster highlights worsening climate risks. "This is a clear example of climate change," said Andrea Dufourg, an environmental official, adding that cities must strengthen early warning systems and resilience measures.

Bahia Blanca has faced deadly storms before but officials say this flooding is among the worst in the city’s history.