At least six people have died due to flooding caused by heavy rains in the Argentinian port city of Bahia Blanca.

Over 260mm of rain fell within a few hours in Bahia Blanca, located southwest of the capital Buenos Aires, on Friday.

The city reported that the ensuing flood destroyed bridges and caused roads to collapse, with the possibility of additional fatalities.

Homes and hospitals were evacuated, with images on social media showing mothers fleeing a flooded health center with their newborn babies.

Federico Susbielles, the mayor of the city, stated that Bahia Blanca was “hit by a natural disaster once again” and that “the situation has become very critical”.

“The number of dead has risen to six, and at the moment it cannot be ruled out – given the magnitude of what happened – that there may be more fatalities,” he said around 7:30 PM local time.

Defense Minister Luis Petri added that Argentine President Javier Milei requested a full mobilization of all resources – including the armed forces – in response.

“We are on the ground, working with the municipality and accompanying those affected so that assistance arrives quickly and where it is most needed,” he added.

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Mr. Milei’s spokesperson Manuel Adorni said the president canceled his scheduled activities in Mendoza province on Saturday, but did not mention whether he would visit the city.