More than 50 people have died and more than quarter of a million are without power
throughout Buenos Aires and further afield due to unprecendented torrential rain,
and flash floods.
In a telegramme to the newly appointed Buenos Aires Archbishop,
Pope Francis has appealed to public and church institutions to step up assistance
to those who have lost their homes or personal belongings. And he has assured the
victims, their families and survivors of his prayers. Meanwhile, as regional correspondent
James Blears reports, the government has declared 3 days of national mourning. listen
to the report... More than 300,000
people have been affected by the flooding throughout Buenas Aires, in the City of
La Plata 60 kms away and the zone between it. While 25 cms of rain fell on the Capitol
in a downpour lasting two hours, La Plata was innundated by nearly three times as
much! More than 3,000 people have had to evacuate their homes and many are seeking
the safety of emergency shelters. The Government has declared three days of national
mourning. Most of those who died are elderly, were trapped in their homes and drowned,
by rapidly encroaching waters, which in some areas have reached a height of almost
two metres. Forecasters are saying more heavy rain is on the way.