Catastrophic Flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina: Unprecedented Rainstorm Results in Tragedy
Bahia Blanca, Argentina, suffered devastating flooding from a rainstorm, resulting in 13 fatalities and hundreds evacuated. The storm delivered more rain in hours than the city typically receives in a year, leading to significant destruction and emergency responses.
Argentina’s port city of Bahia Blanca experienced catastrophic flooding, described as being ‘destroyed’ after an unprecedented rainstorm delivered a year’s worth of rainfall in just hours, resulting in 13 deaths and displacing hundreds of residents. Authorities reported that two young girls, aged four and one, were missing, likely swept away by the floodwaters.
The torrential rains led to significant disruptions, including submerged hospital rooms, neighborhood flooding, and widespread power outages. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich conveyed the extent of destruction in Bahia Blanca, a city with a population of approximately 350,000, located 600 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires.
The storm claimed the lives of at least five victims who were trapped in their vehicles by rapidly rising water on flooded roads. Rescuers evacuated the Jose Penna hospital amid the chaos, with local footage depicting staff carrying babies to safety, later receiving assistance from military personnel.
Starting Friday morning, the downpour unleashed over 400 millimeters of rain within eight hours, a volume typically received by Bahia Blanca in an entire year, as noted by provincial security minister Javier Alonso who declared, ‘This is unprecedented.’ Reports of flooding from shops and instances of overnight looting have also surfaced, stressing the city’s dire situation.
The government has responded by authorizing emergency reconstruction funding of 10 billion pesos. At its peak, the number of evacuees reached 1,321, though this figure has since decreased to 850. Bahia Blanca has encountered similar weather-related calamities before, including a storm in December 2023 that also resulted in 13 fatalities.
Both Mar del Plata, a nearby resort town, and Buenos Aires experienced heavy rain, with officials in Mar del Plata suspending evening activities and advising residents to stay indoors. However, the capital largely escaped major damages from the storm.
In summary, Bahia Blanca has endured severe flooding due to a massive rainstorm, leading to tragic loss of life and extensive damage. With emergency aid allocated and ongoing recovery efforts, the city continues to grapple with the impact of this unprecedented weather event. Previous weather disasters add to the community’s challenges as they seek to restore normalcy amidst such turmoil.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
