A violent storm in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, resulted in 13 fatalities and extensive flooding, prompting evacuations and a declaration of emergency aid. Authorities are grappling with the immediate aftermath while facing local criticism over response timeliness. The storm exemplifies the potential impacts of climate change, pushing for better preparedness measures.
Bahia Blanca, a port city in Argentina, has been severely affected by a torrential storm, accumulating a year’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours, leading to 13 fatalities. Local authorities reported that hundreds have been displaced due to flooding, with two young girls, aged four and one, currently unaccounted for. The catastrophic conditions have left hospital facilities flooded and neighborhoods submerged, leading National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich to describe the city as “destroyed.”
The death toll has increased amid concerns for further casualties as the storm claimed victims trapped in vehicles on inundated roadways. The deluge, which began early Friday, resulted in over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rainfall within an eight-hour period, surpassing the city’s annual precipitation. Provincial security minister, Javier Alonso, remarked that this event is “unprecedented.”
On Saturday, tensions escalated as Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri visited affected areas, facing local anger over delayed government response. Residents expressed frustration over the authorities’ failures during the night of the storm, leading to confrontations that required police intervention. Environmental official Andrea Dufourg characterized this extreme weather as an evident consequence of climate change, urging preparations for future incidents.
Approximately 850 individuals have been evacuated as a result of the storm, including patients from Jose Penna Hospital, where staff used makeshift methods to carry infants to safety assisted by the army. Despite the chaos, local doctor Eduardo Seminara emphasized that his family was safe, expressing gratitude in light of the widespread destruction surrounding him.
In response to the disaster, the government has mobilized emergency aid of 10 billion pesos (about $9.2 million). The storm has also led to widespread power outages throughout Bahia Blanca, necessitating the suspension of electricity due to flooding. Despite the urgency of recovery, the potential for similar storms looms large, considering the city’s history with severe weather events.
In summary, the recent violent storm in Bahia Blanca has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, highlighting urgent calls for improved environmental policies and emergency preparedness. As authorities manage the aftermath, local sentiments reflect frustration concerning response times and the underlying climate issues contributing to such devastating weather events.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
