Torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, led to 10 deaths and over a thousand evacuations as homes and roads were inundated. A significant emergency aid package has been approved, with ongoing rescue efforts deployed. This flooding marks a severe climate-related disaster for the region, compounded by previous storms.
On Friday, torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, resulted in at least 10 fatalities and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The rains submerged significant areas of the city, affecting homes, hospitals, and important roadways, prompting authorities to cut power in an effort to mitigate further disasters.
Bahía Blanca, with a population of 350,000 and situated approximately 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, experienced eight consecutive hours of rainfall, totaling over 400 millimeters (15 inches), surpassing its typical annual average. The severe weather necessitated the evacuation of the José Penna Hospital, where medical personnel were seen carrying infants to safety from the neonatal unit.
In response to the crisis, the national government allocated emergency assistance amounting to 10 billion pesos (around $9.2 million). Buenos Aires provincial security minister, Javier Alonso, remarked on the unprecedented nature of this storm, stating, “This is something unprecedented.”
The floodwaters, exacerbated by tidal currents from the nearby sea, flooded the city, displacing vehicles and residential debris. In light of the devastation, Argentine authorities deployed helicopters, boats, ambulances, and trucks laden with essential supplies. The Coast Guard also partook in the rescue efforts using inflatable boats.
Consequently, Bahía Blanca’s airport has been closed indefinitely, with meteorological services predicting additional storms in the near future. This flood event constitutes the latest in a series of climate-related disasters for the region; a windstorm in December 2023 had previously claimed 13 lives and caused extensive damage throughout the city.
The severe flooding in Bahía Blanca, driven by unprecedented rainfall, has resulted in significant loss of life and necessitated mass evacuations. The Argentine government’s prompt response with emergency funding and rescue operations underscores the gravity of the situation. As the region grapples with these adverse climate events, the lasting impacts on the community and infrastructure are yet to be fully assessed.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
