Heavy rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have killed at least 13 people and caused severe flooding. The storm has led to infrastructure damage, electricity outages, and missing individuals. The deluge, yielding more than 400 mm of rain in eight hours, mirrors previous weather disasters in the city.
In southwestern Argentina, relentless heavy rains have claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals in the coastal city of Bahia Blanca. The severe flooding and destruction were triggered by a storm that ravaged the city, resulting in two young girls, aged four and one, going missing, feared swept away by floodwaters.
The torrential rains have inundated hospitals, submerged entire neighborhoods, and left significant portions of the city without electricity. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has characterized Bahia Blanca as “destroyed,” expressing concerns that the death toll may rise as authorities warn of possible additional casualties.
The floods began early on Friday, yielding over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rain within eight hours, a volume comparable to Bahia Blanca’s average annual rainfall, according to provincial security minister Javier Alonso. As emergency crews work diligently to assess the devastation, the number of evacuees has decreased from a peak of 1,321 to 850.
Bahia Blanca has previously experienced severe storm events, including one in 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and significant damage to the city’s infrastructure. The current situation highlights the city’s vulnerability to weather-related disasters, prompting calls for improved emergency response infrastructure.
The heavy rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in tragic loss of life and significant destruction, drawing parallels to previous weather events in the region. As authorities continue to evaluate the impact, the community faces ongoing challenges in recovery and rebuilding. This situation underscores the need for enhanced emergency preparedness measures for future weather-related crises.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
