Severe Storm Causes Catastrophic Flooding in Bahía Blanca, Argentina
A severe storm in Bahía Blanca on March 7, 2025, caused over 270 mm of rain in four hours, leading to widespread flooding and evacuations, including vulnerable newborns. The city remains under a Red Alert, with schools and public transport suspended. Continued severe weather is expected, posing risks of further damage and impacts across the Pampa region.
On March 7, 2025, Bahía Blanca in Buenos Aires Province experienced a severe storm that resulted in over 270 mm (10.6 inches) of rainfall within just four hours, leading to significant flooding and widespread evacuations. The torrential rain began around 03:40 LT (06:40 UTC), submerging large areas of the city and disrupting essential services, including power. Emergency measures were taken to evacuate vulnerable individuals, such as newborns from the neonatal unit at Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna,” with assistance from the Army.
At least 40 households were evacuated in Bahía Blanca, where officials noted that only heavy machinery could traverse the flooded streets. A Red Alert remains in effect for the city, with more rainfall anticipated. Schools and all public transport services have been suspended, and normal operations have been halted until further notice. Simultaneously, the Pampa region has also been put under Red Alert due to the increased risk of severe weather events.
Since March 2, central-eastern Argentina has faced continuous heavy rainfall, exacerbating flooding conditions across Buenos Aires Province. One fatality occurred in Berazategui, prompting local authorities to launch an investigation into the situation. A total of over 680 individuals have been evacuated from their homes throughout the province, and emergency shelters have been established to assist those affected by the crisis.
Flooding has severely damaged infrastructure, with at least 20 buildings reported as damaged from storm-related incidents. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued multiple warnings for March 7, indicating extreme temperatures, heavy storms, and hazardous wind conditions. Predicted rainfall totals might reach between 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches), with wind gusts potentially exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph). Hailstorms pose an additional risk to property and agriculture.
An Orange Level storm alert has been announced along the coast of Buenos Aires, as the Pampas region is expected to receive rainfall accumulations of 60 to 100 mm (2.30 to 4 inches), accompanied by strong winds and hail. Specific warnings for the Tandil area classified the storm risk as extremely dangerous, anticipating severe weather conditions for the next several days. Forecasts suggest that heavy rainfall may persist across Buenos Aires Province for at least the next 72 hours.
The severe storm that struck Bahía Blanca on March 7, 2025, led to catastrophic flooding, extensive evacuations, and significant infrastructure damage within the Buenos Aires Province. The situation remains critical, with Red Alerts in place as authorities manage the impact of the ongoing adverse weather. The continued threat of heavy rain emphasizes the importance of preparedness and effective emergency response systems in mitigating such disasters.
Original Source: watchers.news
