In Bahia Blanca, Argentina, heavy rains resulted in significant flooding, claiming at least ten lives and prompting the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The unprecedented rainfall overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, causing extensive damage and leading to emergency government aid. Rescue operations are ongoing as the city braces for potential additional storms.
In Bahia Blanca, Argentina, torrential rains led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in the deaths of at least ten individuals and the evacuation of over one thousand residents. Continuous heavy rainfall rendered the city of 350,000 nearly submerged, necessitating the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital. Emergency response efforts were initiated, including the deployment of military personnel to facilitate rescue operations.
The Argentine government has approved emergency aid of 10 billion pesos (approximately 9.2 million dollars) as hundreds of displaced individuals sought shelter. The unprecedented rainfall, exceeding 400 millimeters (15 inches) within hours, is reported to be nearly three times heavier than the city’s previous record rainfall from 1930, as noted by security minister Javier Alonso.
In response to the flooding, Bahia Blanca’s airport has been closed, and officials have suspended electrical power in certain areas to prevent electric shock. The provincial government is sending essential supplies, including food, water, and rescue vehicles, while the coast guard has also engaged in rescue operations.
Residents like Flavia Viera Romero recounted their harrowing experiences as floodwaters surged into their homes. “About a meter-and-a-half of water came into my house,” she stated. The urgency of the situation is compounded as the city remains under alert for potential additional storms, raising concerns about further flooding.
Documents and visual evidence depict the scene at the Jose Penna hospital where intensive care wards were inundated, forcing a swift and critical evacuation of patients and hospital staff. Bahia Blanca’s geographic layout aggravates flooding conditions, as sloped streets direct excess water towards the sea, often resulting in devastating floods reminiscent of the severe windstorm in December 2023 that caused significant casualties and damage.
The flooding in Bahia Blanca is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities to climate-related disasters faced by communities. The combination of unprecedented rainfall and the city’s topography resulted in a crisis, with both immediate and long-term implications for public health and infrastructure. Swift government actions and community resilience will be crucial as the residents work to recover from this calamity.
Original Source: thesun.my
