Ten Dead, Hundreds Evacuated Amid Severe Flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina
Severe flooding in Bahia Blanca has resulted in ten fatalities and mass evacuations, including that of a hospital. Over 400 millimeters of rain overwhelmed the city, prompting immediate rescue operations. The local infrastructure faces major disruptions with an airport closure and power supply cutbacks. Recovery is ongoing as residents recount their traumatic experiences, while new storm alerts remain in effect.
Severe flooding has struck Bahia Blanca, Argentina, resulting in ten deaths and the evacuation of numerous residents. The city, which houses approximately 350,000 individuals, faced eight consecutive hours of intense rain, leading to urgent evacuation procedures at the Jose Penna hospital. The army has been deployed to assist with rescue operations as around 1,000 residents were relocated to safe areas.
Officials have confirmed at least six fatalities due to the flooding, with concerns that this number may increase. The city experienced over 400 millimeters of rainfall within a few hours, an amount equivalent to its total annual precipitation, a scenario termed “unprecedented” by security minister Javier Alonso.
Historical context reveals that the last major storm to impact Bahia Blanca occurred in 1930, when it recorded 175 millimeters of rainfall. This recent deluge has nearly tripled in severity, illustrating the extreme weather encountered by the community.
The flooding has caused significant infrastructure challenges; Bahia Blanca’s airport has been closed indefinitely, and part of the power supply has been cut to prevent electric shock hazards. The provincial government is utilizing helicopters, canoes, ambulances, and trucks to deliver essential supplies like food and water to those affected.
Residents have shared alarming personal stories from the disaster. Flavia Viera Romero recounted how her home was engulfed with over a meter of water, necessitating her to save her children from the rising floodwaters.
As recovery efforts proceed, the city remains under alert from the meteorological service for potential subsequent storms, highlighting the ongoing risk to the community.
The flooding in Bahia Blanca has led to substantial loss of life, mandatory evacuations, and significant challenges to infrastructure. With historical comparisons emphasizing the severity of this event, residents face ongoing recovery efforts amid potential additional storms. Immediate governmental and military aid is being deployed to alleviate the situation in affected areas.
Original Source: sharjah24.ae
