Severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has led to ten fatalities and the evacuation of hundreds, including patients from a hospital, due to over 400 millimeters of rainfall in eight hours. The provincial government is mobilizing resources to assist flood victims, while infrastructure remains heavily impacted and residents share distressing experiences of the crisis.
The severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has resulted in the tragic loss of ten lives and the evacuation of hundreds. Continuous rainfall for eight hours inundated the city, which has a population of 350,000, leading to the urgent evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The local military has been deployed to assist with rescue operations, evacuating approximately 1,000 individuals to safety.
Local municipal officials have reported six confirmed fatalities, with fears that this number may increase. The city experienced over 400 millimeters of rain in a matter of hours, amounting to its annual rainfall in a single event, which Javier Alonso, the security minister, described as “unprecedented.” This intensity of rainfall highlights the severity of the flooding compared to the 1930 storm that produced 175 millimeters of rain.
Infrastructure in Bahia Blanca has been significantly affected, with the airport remaining closed and parts of the power supply being cut to minimize electric shock risks. The provincial government is mobilizing helicopters, canoes, ambulances, and trucks carrying essential supplies, including food and water, to assist those impacted by the storm.
Residents have expressed their harrowing experiences amid the disaster. Flavia Viera Romero recounted how her home was inundated with a meter-and-a-half of water, forcing her to rescue her children from the flood. As recovery efforts proceed, the meteorological service has issued ongoing alerts for potential additional storms, highlighting the precarious situation in the region.
In summary, Bahia Blanca has faced an unprecedented flooding disaster, resulting in multiple casualties and extensive evacuations. The area’s severe rainfall has overwhelmed infrastructure, leading to closure of critical facilities and the mobilization of resources for recovery efforts. Ongoing weather alerts signify that the risk of further storms remains, emphasizing the urgency of continued support for affected residents.
Original Source: sharjah24.ae
