Severe Floods Force Thousands to Evacuate Argentina’s Key Farm Region
BUENOS AIRES – may 17, 2025 – Severe flooding, triggered by torrential rains, has devastated Argentina’s key farming region, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. The northern Buenos Aires province,a critical agricultural area,has seen widespread damage,with residents displaced on Saturday. The severe weather, including the excessive rainfall, has already impacted infrastructure and farmlands. To learn more about the economic impacts, read on.
Severe Floods Force Thousands to Evacuate Argentina’s Key Farm Region
BUENOS AIRES-Torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding across the northern Buenos aires province in Argentina, a critical agricultural area, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents on Saturday.
The Deluge: A Region Under Water
The National Meteorological Service had issued a red alert for the region Friday evening. The agency reported rainfall totals ranging from 150 to 250mm (6-10 inches) between the cities of Zarate adn Arrecifes. The situation is compounded by storms that are constantly regenerating,
with forecasts predicting continued precipitation.
Did you know?
Buenos Aires province is the heartland of Argentina’s agricultural production, responsible for a meaningful portion of the nation’s soybean, corn, and wheat exports.
Television footage showed residents of Zarate, located 100 km (62 miles) from Buenos Aires, using boats to navigate streets submerged in floodwaters, salvaging what belongings thay could.
Stranded: A Busload of Passengers Caught in the Flood
the severity of the flooding was underscored when a long-distance bus carrying 44 passengers became trapped on Route 9 near Zarate. the driver recounted the harrowing experience to local C5N television, stating, Water started coming in and covered everything.
San Antonio de Areco: A Town Overwhelmed
The town of San Antonio de Areco experienced particularly extreme rainfall, with over 260mm falling in a 24-hour period. Local mayor Francisco Ratto described the deluge as an amount rarely surpassed.
economic Impact: Harvest Delays Loom
The excessive rainfall in this key food-exporting region is expected to further delay the ongoing soybean harvest.Argentina holds a prominent position in the global agricultural market.
- Top Exporter: Soybean meal and oil
- Third-Largest Exporter: Corn
- Major Exporter: Wheat
Pro tip
Farmers can mitigate flood damage by implementing drainage systems, using water-resistant storage, and diversifying crop types to reduce reliance on a single harvest.
