Severe Floods Devastate Bahía Blanca, Argentina: A Historic Catastrophe
Bahía Blanca experienced historic flooding on March 7, 2025, with 10 deaths and over 1,300 evacuees due to record rainfall of 320 mm in four hours. Infrastructure and public services suffered extensive damage, prompting federal assistance in recovery operations, while authorities have declared a Red Alert for the region.
Bahía Blanca, located in Buenos Aires Province, experienced devastating floods on March 7, 2025, triggered by historic rainfall. The unprecedented storm resulted in 10 fatalities and the evacuation of over 1,300 residents from the city, which has a population of approximately 336,000. The rain exceeded 320 mm in just four hours, significantly surpassing the previous record from 1933.
Authorities reported that parts of the city received a staggering 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain during the storm. This amount not only exceeded the previous record of 167.6 mm (6.6 inches) set in 1933 but also represented the most extreme weather event since a notable storm in 1975. The National Integrated Risk Management System (SINAGIR) has declared a Red Alert for the area, with federal forces deployed to aid local efforts.
Ongoing rescue operations aim to assist individuals affected by the disaster, and further fatalities have not been ruled out. The city established four evacuation centers for displaced families, with authorities working to compile and update evacuee information as connectivity improves in impacted regions.
The floods have severely damaged critical infrastructure, particularly at Dr. José Penna Hospital, where the neonatology unit was evacuated. The Army has been tasked with transferring patients to alternate healthcare facilities via boats due to the flooding. Public services such as schools, transportation, and the airport have been suspended, while power outages are in effect to mitigate electrical hazards in flooded zones.
Emergency response efforts involve collaboration among civil defense, municipal and provincial authorities, alongside the Army and Navy. Buenos Aires province Government Minister Carlos Bianco labeled the flooding as “a tragedy,” confirming that there is ongoing communication between officials and the city mayor to coordinate the response.
The catastrophic flooding in Bahía Blanca, resulting from record-breaking rainfall, has had profound implications, leading to loss of life and widespread displacement. Rescue and recovery efforts are currently underway, as infrastructure continues to face significant challenges. The coordinated response involves various authorities, aiming to support affected communities and prevent further incidents.
Original Source: watchers.news
