Bahía Blanca experienced severe flooding on Friday due to a storm that resulted in significant evacuations, including from a neonatal unit at a hospital. The storm, which dumped over 270mm of rain in four hours, caused widespread power outages, halted public transport, and led to a complete cessation of activities in the city.
On Friday morning, Bahía Blanca, a coastal city in Argentina, experienced severe flooding and destruction due to a fierce storm. The intense rainfall prompted evacuations of families and newborns from a neonatal unit, as the storm began at approximately 3:40 AM local time, leading to widespread disruptions.
The storm caused over 270 millimeters of rain within four hours, leaving vast areas of the city, which is home to one of Argentina’s principal ports and over 350,000 residents, without electricity for significant periods. Major repercussions included flooded hospitals, streets, and collapsing asphalt.
Emergency evacuations occurred at the Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna,” where medical personnel evacuated staff and patients, including newborns. A government statement from Buenos Aires Province confirmed that the Army assisted in transferring patients amid ongoing damage assessments.
Although municipal authorities have not reported any casualties, approximately 40 households were evacuated. The mayor’s office indicated that several parts of the city are impassable, and only heavy machinery can be mobilized during peak rainfall. A red alert from meteorological services is in effect due to ongoing rain, and city officials have canceled classes and public transport services, advising residents to seek shelter.
The mayor’s office announced, “In view of the weather emergency, the Municipality of Bahía Blanca has ordered a complete cessation of all activities until further notice.” The region has historic ties to climatic disasters, the most recent being a deadly windstorm in December 2023 that resulted in significant casualties and damage.
The recent storm in Bahía Blanca has led to extensive flooding and prompted evacuations, particularly from medical facilities. While the situation is dire with many residents affected, no casualties have been confirmed thus far. City officials are taking unprecedented measures to ensure public safety amidst ongoing hazardous conditions, drawing attention to the region’s troubled history with severe weather events.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
