La Plata, Argentina [CD EUDNews; CNA News]. The death toll from massive flooding in Argentina has risen to 56, prompting the government to declare three days of national mourning. Most of the victims were found Wednesday after a second day of record rainfall in Buenos Aires and nearby La Plata, where flooding submerged cars and sent people scrambling to rooftops for safety
At least 48 people died in La Plata, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) south of the capital, authorities said. La Plata is capital of Buenos Aires province. Six people died in Buenos Aires proper and two others in the city's suburbs. The fatalities in La Plata, a bustling university city of just under one million, followed at least eight others in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, when a storm knocked out power lines and downed trees.
President Cristina Kirchner made a surprise visit to La Plata, surveying the devastation by helicopter.Her office announced three days of national mourning for the victims.
A staggering record 40 centimetres of rain fell on La Plata during a two-hour period late Tuesday into Wednesday, officials said, knocking out phone lines and leaving about half the city in the dark. Authorities said around 2,500 people were still unable to return home as they wait for flood waters to subside, and have taken refuge in emergency shelters.
ADRA Argentina is supporting the population through a massive volunteer service. Hundreds of volunteers and many trucks bring food, blankets and other useful tools into the affected areas.
If you want to support ADRA Argentina, please donate according to the bank data that you find in the following web page:
http://www.adventistas.org.ar/adraargentina/Colaborá.aspx
"We invite all church members of our region to pray for the affected population and, if possible, to contribute through a heartfelt donation", so Corrado Cozzi, Communications Director in the EUD region.
