Azerbaijan expresses solidarity with Argentina after devastating floods

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has expressed condolences to Argentina over the loss of lives caused by severe flooding.

“We extend our deepest condolences to all affected by the devastating floods in Argentina, which have resulted in the loss of many lives, left several others missing, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure,” Caliber.Az quotes the ministry as saying on its X account.

Ministry expresses hope for a swift and effective recovery for the communities most affected by the disaster and for the prompt restoration of normalcy.

To recall, the city of Bahía Blanca in Argentina and the nearby town of Cerri were inundated on March 7, after a year’s worth of rain—400mm—fell in just eight hours, surpassing the previous record set in 1930. The deluge destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, forcing over 1,000 people to evacuate, while hundreds have been left homeless.

Rescue teams in Argentina are searching for two young sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away by devastating floods that struck Buenos Aires province, leaving at least 16 people dead.

Delfina and Pilar Hecker were travelling with their parents when their car became trapped in rising floodwaters. A lorry driver, identified as Rubén Zalazar, attempted to save the children but was also swept away. His body was later found in a lagoon. Officials warn that the death toll could rise, with at least 100 people still missing.

The disaster has prompted national mourning, declared by President Javier Milei, but his government faces criticism after it emerged that the national emergency directorate was closed just days before the storm as part of spending cuts.

Authorities estimate millions in infrastructure damage, with Argentina’s economy ministry pledging AR$10bn (over $9.2 million) for rebuilding efforts. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Pope Francis have expressed their condolences to those affected.

Experts warn that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, as warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the risk of severe flooding worldwide.

By Aghakazim Guliyev