The crisis has impacted both central and outlying areas, further straining a community already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the December 2023 storm.

The four Salesian institutions in the city—Emmaus, Don Bosco, La Piedad, and the Higher Education Institutes (Juan XXIII Higher Institute and the Salesian University)—immediately mobilized to assist those in need. Prioritizing aid for the most vulnerable families, they also focused on supporting students, teachers, families, and staff. The most urgent needs include food, drinking water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and, above all, emotional and psychological support in a time of profound distress.

The Juan XXIII Higher Institute experienced total flooding of its basement, damaging the library, administrative offices, cafeteria, and several classrooms. Water also entered the classrooms of Don Bosco and La Piedad schools, as well as the university, causing damage to furniture and disrupting normal operations. The Salesian community itself was not spared—Emmaus House’s ground floor was completely flooded. Despite these challenges, the response was immediate: emergency relief efforts were activated, evacuation centers were set up, and donations were collected to support the most severely affected neighborhoods.

The latest reports indicate that 963 people have been displaced, while the death toll remains at 16. EDES, the company responsible for electricity distribution, has announced that power will be restored to 65% of the city in the coming hours, although many areas remain without electricity.

With a 72-hour period of mourning declared, Bahía Blanca is struggling to return to normalcy amid the ongoing crisis. While floodwaters have started to recede in some areas, neighborhoods like Ingeniero White and Cerri remain inundated, and the danger is far from over.

Bahía Blanca continues to endure moments of hardship, but its people stand strong and united in the face of adversity. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, and the city still urgently needs assistance, as the emergency is far from over.

To aid in the relief efforts, the Salesian University remains open to receive donations of food, drinking water, footwear, and cleaning supplies. Additionally, students, teachers, and non-teaching staff are actively participating in relief efforts at San Dionisio Chapel and Club Danubio (Roca and Don Bosco), supporting the neighborhoods where Salesian volunteers provide educational and pastoral assistance.

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