This children’s article, Major floods hit Buenos Aires Province in Argentina, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore current events around the world. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience.
Heavy rain causes floods in Argentina’s Buenos Aires Province
On Friday 16 May, extremely heavy rain began to fall in the province of Buenos Aires, in the South American country of Argentina. The rain came down much faster and heavier than usual. It quickly filled rivers, streets and fields, causing serious flooding.
Thousands leave for safety
Floods can be dangerous, so people living in the worst-affected areas were told to leave their homes and go somewhere safe. More than 7,500 people have had to leave, and over 3,100 were sent to emergency shelters.
Buenos Aires Province is the largest and most populated in Argentina. It’s home to over 17 million people. Inside the province is the city of Buenos Aires, the country’s capital.
Flooded farmlands
The rain has caused major problems in farming areas, especially those that grow soybeans. In just three days, some places received more than 400 millimetres of rain. One city, San Antonio de Areco, saw over 260 mm fall in only 24 hours!
Some areas that had never flooded before were affected this time. Experts say this could mean older flood maps and plans are now out of date.
Bridges, roads and homes damaged
Many of the people affected live in poorer areas with weak infrastructure, where buildings and roads are not strong enough to deal with storms like this. The floods have also damaged bridges and highways, cutting off towns and causing big travel problems.
Argentina is one of the world’s biggest producers of soybeans, and the flooding has delayed the harvest. That could be a big problem for farmers and for the country’s economy.
Further reading: Reuters – Argentina flooding
Article vocabulary list
- Province – a large area that is part of a country, often including several cities and towns
- Shelter – a safe place where people can stay during an emergency
- Soybeans – a type of bean grown on farms and used in food and animal feed
- Harvest – the time when crops are gathered from the fields
- Infrastructure – roads, buildings and services needed for a place to work properly
- Economy – how money and resources are used in a country
- Flood – when water covers land that is usually dry
- Emergency – a serious or dangerous situation that needs quick action
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. In which country did the heavy rain and flooding happen?
Argentina
2. How many people have had to leave their homes?
More than 7,500
3. What crop has been affected by the floods?
Soybeans
4. What is the capital city of Argentina?
a) Lima
b) Buenos Aires
c) Santiago
Correct answer: b) Buenos Aires
5. Why are the floods worse for people in poorer areas?
Their buildings and roads are not strong enough to deal with storms
6. How much rain did San Antonio de Areco get in one day?
Over 260 millimetres
7. What is one reason the floods could be a problem for the whole country?
Soybean farming is important for Argentina’s economy
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
