Bahia Blanca, Argentina, was devastated by a storm delivering a year’s rain in hours, resulting in 13 deaths, severe flooding, and the evacuation of hundreds. Two young girls are missing, and the local hospital was evacuated. Emergency aid has been authorized, while surrounding areas also faced significant disruptions.
Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has experienced catastrophic damage following a massive rainstorm that delivered a year’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours. The downpour has resulted in 13 fatalities and displaced hundreds of residents. Authorities reported that two young girls, aged four and one, remain missing and may have been swept away by the floodwaters.
The storm caused significant disruption, with hospital rooms submerged, neighborhoods isolated, and widespread power outages. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described Bahia Blanca as being “destroyed,” with the death toll escalating from ten on Friday to thirteen. Officials indicated that more casualties could occur in the city of approximately 350,000 inhabitants.
At least five victims are believed to have died on flooded roads, allegedly trapped in their vehicles. The storm necessitated the evacuation of Jose Penna hospital, where medical staff were filmed assisting infants to safety, later receiving support from military personnel.
The heavy rains began on Friday morning, with over 400 millimeters falling within eight hours, a figure representing almost an entire year’s worth of precipitation for Bahia Blanca, as noted by provincial security minister Javier Alonso. Local reports highlighted the extensive flooding of shops and instances of overnight looting.
In response to the disaster, the government has authorized emergency reconstruction funding amounting to 10 billion pesos. The storm left much of the coastal region without electricity, prompting city officials to suspend electrical services due to the extensive flooding. By Saturday, 850 residents remained evacuated, down from a peak of 1,321.
Bahia Blanca has previously endured weather-related crises, including a December 2023 storm that also resulted in 13 fatalities and substantial infrastructural damage. Other cities in the region, such as Mar del Plata, experienced heavy rains as well, prompting officials to suspend activities and advise residents to stay indoors. Meanwhile, Buenos Aires was affected by the storm but did not report major damage.
The catastrophic rainstorm that struck Bahia Blanca, Argentina, caused significant loss of life and extensive damage, leaving the city in dire circumstances. With a total of thirteen confirmed fatalities and hundreds displaced, authorities are focusing on emergency measures and reconstruction efforts. This unprecedented weather event highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities of cities like Bahia Blanca to extreme climatic phenomena and the need for future preparedness.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
