Coastal Surge Inundates Mar del Plata, Damages Seawall

Mar del Plata, Argentina, experienced a severe coastal surge on May 28, 2025, causing significant damage to the iconic Paseo Dávila seawall. High tide, combined with strong southeasterly winds, created waves exceeding two meters in height, flooding the adjacent roadway and inundating several vehicles. The video footage shows the dramatic scene, with onlookers attempting to navigate the flooded streets. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "I've lived here for 20 years and I've never seen anything like it. The waves were immense, and the water came up so fast." The incident highlights the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to extreme weather events and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and effective coastal management. While there were no reported injuries, the damage to the seawall is substantial, and repairs are expected to be costly. The city is assessing the full extent of the damage and is working to restore the area to its previous state.