On March 7, 2025, the town of Bahía Blanca, located in the southern part of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, experienced a severe hydrometeorological event that led to widespread flooding. Within a few hours, approximately 350 millimeters of rainfall accumulated, submerging over 70% of the area, according to the municipal mayor. Bahía Blanca’s geographical vulnerability is exacerbated by its location in the lower basin of the Napostá stream. The heavy rainfall, combined with the overflow of both the Napostá stream and the Maldonado canal, resulted in extensive flooding. The situation is further compounded by the fact that in January 2024, the city had already been affected by a severe storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall, leaving many residents still recovering from its consequences. The disaster has also severely impacted the agricultural and livestock sectors, with nearly 2 million hectares under water and significant financial losses for rural producers.
The municipal mayor of Bahía Blanca estimates that approximately 70% of the population—about 234,154 people—has been affected by the flood. Official sources report that around 90,000 homes have been directly impacted, and in the town of General Cerri, some residents remain stranded on rooftops. As of now, approximately 1,500 people have been evacuated, with 1,296 currently housed in evacuation centers. To date, 16 fatalities and 94 missing persons have been reported.
Several areas of the city remain without electricity or internet access, particularly in General Cerri and Ing. White. The flood has also severely damaged transportation infrastructure. Of the eight bridges along the Napostá stream, six have been destroyed. Given that Bahía Blanca is home to a petrochemical complex, the risk of chemical exposure has increased, and the situation is currently being evaluated by the Government of the Province of Buenos Aires.
As Argentina enters the autumn season, temperatures are expected to drop, with the likelihood of additional rainfall in the coming winter months. This raises concerns about an increase in respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, the large volumes of stagnant water have heightened the risk of a dengue outbreak. The ongoing economic crisis in Argentina has exacerbated social tensions at the local level, increasing concerns about the mental health of the affected population and the potential for social unrest. The disruption to economic activities and livelihoods is expected to place additional strain on families.
The ACT Argentina Forum will provide emergency response, with CREAS serving as the operational and coordination lead. The response will be implemented in Bahía Blanca over three months, focusing on Protection (gender-based violence prevention), Food Security, and WASH, in collaboration with local churches affiliated with FAIE and other ecumenical and local partners.
