Abnormal storms battered the AMBA with severe floods on Friday and Saturday morning, leaving at least 1005 evacuees and 20 municipalities under red alert. The Buenos Aires government confirmed the figures and deployed assistance in the affected areas, where in some areas more than 300 mm of water fell.
Most affected locations and road closures
The locations of Zárate, Campana, Exaltación de la Cruz, Capitán Sarmiento, and San Antonio de Areco were the most affected, with rainfall exceeding 260 mm in less than 24 hours. Total road closures were recorded on routes 8 and 9, as well as on several provincial accesses. Civil Defense recommended avoiding traffic in the north and west of the province.
Measures taken against severe floods
In Zárate, the mayor activated the Crisis Committee and suspended public activities and heavy traffic. The provincial government, led by Axel Kicillof, established an Incident Command at Puente 12 (La Matanza) to coordinate assistance, under the direction of the Minister of Security. An emergency operation was deployed, mainly assisting citizens from Moreno, Salto, Arrecifes, and General Rodríguez.
What are the meteorological alerts
The National Meteorological Service issued an orange alert for numerous locations in the AMBA and a red alert for 20 municipalities in the provincial interior, including General Las Heras, Marcos Paz, Luján, Mercedes, Zárate, and Campana, among others.
Situation of evacuees and assistance centers
The areas with the highest number of evacuees were Salto (180), Arrecifes (163), and Moreno (180). Evacuation centers were set up in Arrecifes (Gymnasium of the Technical School, National School, Club Almirante Brown), Zárate (Santa Teresita, Club Belgrano, Club DAM, Alem 139), and San Antonio de Areco (Municipal Sports Center).
Authorities’ statements regarding severe floods
The provincial government has ruled out fatalities so far. Governor Axel Kicillof reported on the operation and coordination with the national government. He highlighted the magnitude of the rains, comparable to events in Bahía Blanca and La Plata, and warned that the critical situation could persist. Minister Alonso stated that the rains will continue and urged caution to the population. The Health Minister assured that the health system is operational.
Recommendations and affected routes
The population is advised to avoid circulating, especially in the most affected areas, and follow the recommendations of the National Meteorological Service in case of a red alert: stay away from riverside areas, disconnect electrical appliances, avoid flooded streets, know evacuation locations, and have an emergency backpack.
The provincial and national routes affected by flooding and total closures include RP 51, RP 191, RP 31, RP 32, access to Villa Lía (RP 41), RN 8 (Km 98 to 168), and RN 9 (Baradero – Campana).
