Severe Storm Ravages Concordia, Argentina, Causing Fatalities and Widespread Power Outages

A powerful windstorm struck the northern part of Entre Ríos province early on Saturday, with the most severe impacts in Concordia and nearby towns. The gusts collapsed a large tree onto a modest home in the Magnasco district, killing a 76‑year‑old woman; authorities recorded a second death in Salto, Uruguay, as a falling roof fragment struck a motorcyclist. The storm toppled power poles, downed trees and ripped roofs across dozens of localities, leaving large sections of the province without electricity.

The provincial electricity cooperative reported damage to the 132 kV high‑voltage line serving Concordia, Salto Grande and Chajarí, forcing outages in Villa Elisa, San José, Federal, Villaguay and many others. The private confectionery plant “Alfajores La Maga” in Villa Zorraquín lost its roof, machinery, raw materials and packaging supplies, prompting the owner to brace the facility with tarpaulins while repairs are arranged.

Local officials described the event as unprecedented, with police deputy Liliana Miño saying, “hace años no hemos vivido algo así, tan catastrófico.” An emergency response comprising police, civil defence and ENERSA crews was deployed to assist families, clear debris and restore power where possible.