On Friday, torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, caused at least ten deaths and over a thousand evacuations. The city experienced more than 400 millimeters of rain, necessitating hospital evacuations and cutting power for safety. Emergency aid has been authorized, with local authorities mobilizing significant resources to assist those affected.
On Friday, torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina resulted in at least ten fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The continuous downpour, which lasted for eight hours, inundated homes, hospitals, and infrastructure, leading officials to cut off power to mitigate electrical hazards. The city, home to approximately 350,000 people, is located about 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires.
The extraordinary rainfall exceeded 400 millimeters (nearly 15 inches) within hours, a figure that parallels the region’s annual precipitation average. Javier Alonso, the security minister for Buenos Aires province, described the event as unprecedented, noting that it significantly surpassed the previous record storm in 1930, which yielded only 175 millimeters.
As the floodwaters wreaked havoc, the local government organized emergency evacuations, relocating 1,321 residents to safety. The Jose Penna hospital, one of the key medical facilities in the city, had to evacuate its patients, including those in the neonatal unit, due to rising flood waters. Meanwhile, the national government authorized emergency aid totaling 10 billion pesos, approximately 9.2 million dollars, to support recovery efforts.
Authorities closed Bahia Blanca’s airport and dispatched resources such as helicopters, ambulances, and trucks loaded with food and supplies to assist those in need. Flavia Viera Romero, a resident whose home was flooded, described the situation as a sudden surge of water that engulfed her living space rapidly. The severity of flooding, exacerbated by tidal influences, swept away vehicles and household items, prompting further urgency in rescue efforts.
Bahia Blanca is under continuous alert for potential storms, and its history of climate-related disasters raises concerns for future weather-related events. The devastating impact of the recent storms has been reminiscent of a windstorm that occurred in December 2023, resulting in casualties and extensive destruction in the area.
The recent floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in tragic loss of life and significant disruption to the community, emphasizing the impact of unforeseen weather events. With emergency services activated and government aid mobilized, recovery efforts are underway as the region braces for potential further storms. The escalating frequency of such climate catastrophes raises critical questions about resilience and preparedness moving forward.
Original Source: www.france24.com
