The intense storm in Buenos Aires has already left more than 3,500 people evacuated in the north and west of the province.

That amount of rain is equivalent to the average rainfall that typically occurs in that region over the course of a month, causing widespread chaos and an orange alert from the National Meteorological Service (SMN).

The outlook is also bleak, as more rain is forecast , as is the case in the suburbs, where the landscape is similar in various southern towns: flooded streets and evacuated residents, many of whom had to use canoes to get around.

There were also power outages, some deliberate, to prevent more serious consequences for passersby.

In addition to Zárate and Campana, two neighboring cities in the north of the Province, also suffered the consequences of the storm : Exaltación de la Cruz, Capitán Sarmiento, San Antonio de Areco, Salto, San Nicolás, Baradero, Capilla del Señor, Moreno, Luján, Marcos Paz, Mercedes, Suipacha and San Andrés de Giles, among others.

Storm has already left more than 3,500 evacuated in the north and west of Buenos Aires

Ministry of Defense Press / NA

Meanwhile, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich traveled to Zárete this afternoon to lead a meeting with the Emergency Committee at the local mayor's office.

Bullrich traveled with the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri , who traveled to Campana, and then returned to Zárate to meet with his Security counterpart.

"It's been many years of neglect. There are neighborhoods built next to dams," Bullrich said , adding in a press statement that "Argentina needs substantial work, safe construction, urbanization, paving. Getting out of poverty is the path we are embarking on, with seriousness and determination."

For his part, Petri admitted that "The situation for many families is dramatic," and emphasized in an interview with La Nación+ that "there are no records in recent years of such intense rainfall in this area."

The government also reported that President Javier Milei is monitoring the situation from Quinta de Olivos, although it has not been confirmed whether he plans to visit the area.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof emphasized that "So far, there have been no deaths, although we urge the population to exercise extreme caution because the situation remains critical."

Kicillof led a press conference in the La Matanza district, along with other officials from his administration, including Security Minister Javier Alonso.

"This is our third day of storms, with more than 400 millimeters of rain falling over the past three days. We're facing a very unstable weather phenomenon that generated a very intense storm, similar to Bahía Blanca, but spread out over three days," Alonso explained.

The Ministry of Security issued an urgent notice this Saturday informing that the Zárate-Brazo Largo Bridge will remain closed to traffic due to the severe flooding affecting the area. The measure was taken to prevent vehicles and passengers from traveling toward Route 9, one of the areas most affected by the rising waters.

The Ministry of Security also warned that side roads leading to the same route should not be used, in order to protect the safety of motorists and avoid further traffic complications.

"The bridge will be closed to prevent traffic from heading toward Route 9 , as that is the area most affected by flooding. The side roads leading to the same route should also be closed to prevent traffic from entering that area," the official statement detailed.

An extremely urgent situation occurred in the province of Buenos Aires, where a long-distance bus was trapped on Route 9 , at kilometer 115, due to the strong storm that is hitting the region.

The vehicle, which had departed from Rosario, was stranded during the early hours of the morning due to flooding on the roadway, in an area between Zárate and Lima, completely flooded and with no visibility, which made it impossible to continue the journey, although its occupants were eventually rescued.

Something similar happened to another bus, this time stranded by flooding, carrying 37 children between the ages of 10 and 11 who were returning from a trip to Rosario. The bus was stuck for more than ten hours between Routes 193 and 41, near Route 9.

Finally, the passengers were rescued by rescuers.

The Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) actively participated in the rescue and security efforts. In Zárate , troops and vehicles were deployed to maintain order, while in Campana, both personnel from the local Prefecture and the Albatros Group used vehicles and boats to assist residents of the "San Cayetano" neighborhood. The Rescue, Fire, and Environmental Protection Service also joined the efforts in the "El Milagro" neighborhood. To ensure the continuity of operations, the Non-Commissioned Officers' School provided buses and personnel for the necessary relief efforts.

The Argentine Federal Police (PFA) deployed its specialized USAR ARG12 search and rescue team, along with vehicles and vessels, including semi-rigid boats, rafts, and kayaks.

The Argentine Navy also joined the operation, providing rafts, trucks, and personnel to carry out surveys and provide logistical support. The Argentine Army, with its personnel and special vehicles, also actively participated in assisting the victims.