Torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina caused at least ten fatalities and evacuated over 1,000 people. The city experienced unprecedented flooding, affecting homes, hospitals, and infrastructure. Emergency aid of 10 billion pesos has been approved, while rescue operations continue. The situation remains critical, with alerts for potential further storms.
On Friday, torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina led to the death of at least ten individuals and the evacuation of over one thousand residents. The heavy rainfall flooded homes, hospitals, and roads, prompting power cuts. The city, which has a population of 350,000, experienced eight consecutive hours of rain, forcing the evacuation of the Jose Penna Hospital’s neonatal unit and mobilizing the army to assist with rescue operations.
More than 1,321 people were relocated to safety, while the national government sanctioned emergency aid of 10 billion pesos (approximately 9.2 million dollars). Bahia Blanca received an unprecedented 400 millimeters (15 inches) of rain in a short period, a figure that is normally accumulated over an entire year. “This is something unprecedented,” noted Javier Alonso, Buenos Aires province’s security minister.
The floods prompted the closure of Bahia Blanca’s airport, with officials cutting power to mitigate electric shock risks. The provincial government dispatched helicopters, ambulances, canoes, and food trucks to assist the residents. The coast guard aided in rescue efforts using inflatable boats as floodwaters surged dangerously high.
Residents described overwhelming conditions as floodwaters invaded their homes. Flavia Viera Romero recounted her experience, stating, “About a meter-and-a-half of water came into my house,” as she evacuated her children. The city’s sloped streets contributed to the worsening floods as tidal waters increased the current.
Bahia Blanca has a history of facing severe climate incidents, including a devastating windstorm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and significant destruction. The city is currently under alert from meteorological services for potential further storms.
The catastrophic floods in Bahia Blanca have resulted in severe humanitarian challenges, with numerous individuals affected by the extreme weather. Emergency measures and aid have been mobilized to provide immediate assistance to the displaced population. This incident highlights the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters and underlines the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.news-journal.com
