Recent flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, caused significant casualties and evacuations following heavy rainfall that inundated the city, leading to emergency rescues and infrastructure challenges.
Severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has resulted in at least ten fatalities and forced hundreds to evacuate. After eight continuous hours of rain inundated the city of 350,000 residents, the Jose Penna hospital had to evacuate its patients, including infants from the neonatal unit, with army support for rescue operations.
Authorities have reported six confirmed deaths, with expectations of a rising toll. Bahia Blanca received over 400 millimeters of rain within a few hours, a figure equivalent to its annual average, prompting Security Minister Javier Alonso to declare the event “unprecedented.”
Historically, Bahia Blanca experienced a significant storm in 1930 which recorded 175 millimeters of rainfall. The current storm is nearly three times more severe, underscoring its unprecedented nature. In light of the flood, the local airport remains closed, and power supply has been partially cut to prevent electric shocks.
The provincial government is actively deploying helicopters, canoes, ambulances, and trucks loaded with necessary supplies to assist those affected. Residents, such as Flavia Viera Romero, relayed distressing stories of the water that entered their homes, reaching heights of a meter and a half, leading to desperate rescue efforts for their children.
As recovery operations continue, the city remains under alert for possible additional storms, prompting ongoing concerns for the residents. The meteorological service continues to monitor conditions closely and provides updates to the community.
The severe flooding in Bahia Blanca has resulted in tragic loss of life and widespread disruption, affecting infrastructure and prompting large-scale evacuations. With historical flooding records being shattered, the community’s resilience will be tested as recovery efforts are initiated and weather conditions remain uncertain.
Original Source: sharjah24.ae
