Devastating Flooding in Bahía Blanca, Argentina: Ten Lives Lost and Thousands Evacuated
Torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina led to at least ten deaths and over 1,000 evacuations. The city, overwhelmed by over 400 mm of rain, faced severe flooding that damaged infrastructure, including hospitals. Emergency aid of 10 billion pesos has been approved as rescue operations continue amidst predictions of further storms.
On Friday, torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina resulted in the tragic loss of at least ten lives and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. This port city, with a population of approximately 350,000 and located 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, experienced more than 400 millimeters of rainfall in just eight hours, surpassing its average annual total.
The relentless rain caused significant damage, inundating homes, hospitals, and roads, prompting authorities to cut power in efforts to prevent further calamity. The emergency plans included the evacuation of José Penna Hospital, where medical staff were seen safely transporting patients, including infants from the neonatal unit, amid the crisis.
In response to this unprecedented natural disaster, the national government has allocated emergency aid amounting to ten billion pesos, roughly equivalent to $9.2 million. This extreme weather event was characterized by floodwaters bolstered by tidal currents, leading to vehicles being swept away and widespread debris from affected homes.
To assist those in need, local authorities have mobilized helicopters, boats, ambulances, and supply-laden trucks for rescue operations, alongside the Coast Guard’s use of inflatable boats. Additionally, Bahía Blanca’s airport has been closed indefinitely as meteorological services predict further storms on the horizon.
This event follows a troubling pattern of climate-related disasters, with Bahía Blanca experiencing significant windstorm damage in December 2023, which led to 13 fatalities and extensive destruction. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for climate resilience and responsive emergency measures in vulnerable regions.
The devastating floods in Bahía Blanca underscore the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters affecting the region. With ten fatalities and extensive evacuations, the overwhelming rainfall highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Immediate governmental responses, including significant financial aid and coordinated rescue operations, reflect a commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the affected population amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
