Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has been severely impacted by a storm that brought a year’s worth of rain in hours, resulting in 13 deaths and extensive flooding. With hundreds displaced, authorities are responding with emergency aid. The storm has highlighted the city’s past vulnerabilities to severe weather.
Argentina’s port city of Bahia Blanca has experienced devastating flooding after receiving an extraordinary amount of rain—equivalent to an entire year’s worth—within hours. Tragically, 13 individuals have lost their lives as a result of this natural disaster, and hundreds have been displaced from their homes. Two young girls, aged four and one, are reported missing and may have been swept away by the floodwaters.
The deluge has resulted in significant damage, with entire neighborhoods submerged, hospital rooms flooded, and widespread power outages. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich stated that Bahia Blanca has been “destroyed” by the storm, which authorities noted had a rising death toll, increasing from 10 on Friday to 13 by Saturday. Mayor’s office has cautioned that additional casualties may still be discovered amidst the chaos.
The harrowing effects of the storm compelled the evacuation of Jose Penna hospital, as medical personnel were photographed carrying infants to safety. At least five victims reportedly perished while trapped in vehicles on flooded roads, trapped by the swiftly rising waters. The storm commenced Friday morning, unleashing more than 400 millimeters of rain in just eight hours, an unprecedented amount for the region, according to provincial security minister Javier Alonso.
The aftermath of the storm has seen infrastructure impacted, with many shops inundated and reports of looting overnight. In response, the government has allocated emergency reconstruction aid totaling 10 billion pesos to address the crisis. At one stage, city officials were forced to suspend electricity services to manage the excessive water in the streets.
As of Saturday, the number of evacuees approximated 850, a decrease from the peak of 1,321. Bahia Blanca has a history of weather-related disasters, including a severe storm in December 2023 that also resulted in 13 fatalities and significant destruction.
The catastrophic rainstorm that struck Bahia Blanca resulted in devastating impacts, including fatalities, widespread flooding, and infrastructure damage. With the death toll rising and hundreds displaced, local authorities are taking immediate actions to provide emergency aid and support recovery efforts. This incident marks another severe weather disaster for Bahia Blanca, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities to extreme weather events in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
