Salesian University remains open to receive donations

(MissionNewswire) Salesians are responding to help those in need after massive flooding in the city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina. The worst weather-related disaster in its history has left entire neighborhoods under water, power outages, disrupted communications and many areas still isolated. Families have suffered devastating losses, with homes destroyed, furniture and personal belongings washed away, and urban infrastructure severely damaged.

The crisis has impacted both central and outlying areas, further straining the community, which had already been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and a December 2023 storm. The latest reports indicate that 963 people have been displaced, while the death toll remains at 16. While floodwaters have started to recede in some areas, neighborhoods like Ingeniero White and Cerri remain inundated, and the danger is far from over.

A Salesian said, “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.”

Salesian institutions in the city — Emmaus, Don Bosco, La Piedad, Juan XXIII Higher Institute and the Salesian University — immediately mobilized to assist those in need. While prioritizing aid for the most vulnerable families, Salesians 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.

Salesian facilities received some damage from the flooding. 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 the Don Bosco and La Piedad schools, as well as the university, causing damage to furniture and disrupting normal operations. Emmaus House’s ground floor was completely flooded.

The Salesian noted, “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.”

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, supporting the neighborhoods where Salesian volunteers provide educational and pastoral assistance.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Argentina – Bahía Blanca Hit by Flooding: Salesians Work to Help People in an Unprecedented Disaster

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina