Tragedy in Bahia Blanca: Flooding Claims Lives and Prompts Emergency Response
Severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has resulted in at least six deaths after over 260mm of rain fell, leading to extensive infrastructure damage and evacuations. Mayor Federico Susbielles and Defence Minister Luis Petri have emphasized the critical nature of the situation, prompting President Javier Milei to mobilize resources for disaster response.
Heavy rainfall in Bahia Blanca, a port city in Argentina, has claimed the lives of at least six individuals. Over 260mm of rain fell within a few hours on Friday, causing widespread flooding and significant infrastructure damage, including destroyed bridges and collapsed roads. The flooding has led to the evacuation of homes and hospitals, with distressing scenes of mothers fleeing flooded health facilities with their newborns shared online.
Mayor Federico Susbielles described the event as a “natural disaster” that has rendered the situation highly critical. He noted that the death toll may increase due to the disaster’s severity. The mayor mentioned, “The number (of dead) has risen to six and at the moment it cannot be ruled out…that there may be more fatalities.”
In response to the crisis, Defence Minister Luis Petri announced that President Javier Milei has ordered the full mobilization of all available resources, including the armed forces. Petri emphasized their commitment, stating, “We are on the ground, working with the municipality and accompanying those affected so that assistance arrives quickly and where it is most needed.”
President Milei has postponed his planned activities in Mendoza to focus on the emergency response in Bahia Blanca, although it remains unclear if he will travel to the flooded city. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they provide aid to the affected populace and assess the damage.
The severe flooding in Bahia Blanca has resulted in multiple fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, prompting a major emergency response. With the potential for further casualties and extensive support required, local and national authorities are actively working to assist those affected. The incident underscores the critical nature of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
Original Source: news.sky.com
