Bahía Blanca, Argentina, faced a historic storm with 220 mm of rainfall, surpassing previous records. The city suspended all activities, evacuated families, and closed schools and transport. Authorities coordinated relief efforts amid ongoing weather alerts, and conditions are expected to worsen in nearby Mar del Plata.
Bahía Blanca, a city in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, experienced an unprecedented storm that resulted in record rainfall exceeding the historic 167.6 mm from 1933. The city reported 220 mm of rain, prompting City Hall to suspend all activities for public safety. The heavy downpour started around 4 am and immediately led to severe flooding, necessitating the evacuation of at least 40 families, including infants from a neonatal ward.
In response to the emergency, the Municipality of Bahía Blanca closed schools and halted public transport, while the airport also ceased operations. Authorities urged residents to stay home, avoiding unnecessary travel or exposure to fallen cables. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich coordinated response efforts with local and federal agencies, establishing a unified command for relief and rescue.
An orange alert was issued by Argentina’s National Meteorological Service (SMN), with an expectation of additional rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 mm. Evacuation centers were established, and the Armed Forces were mobilized with vehicles and boats to assist affected areas. Defense Minister Luis Petri and Mayor Federico Susbielles monitored the situation closely during the relief operations.
Bahía Blanca, with a 2022 population of 336,574, ranks highly in overall population and size within Argentina. The urban area spans approximately 223 square kilometers, while the county covers about 2,300 square kilometers. Following the storm, the SMN predicted that Mar del Plata, a larger city, would be next to experience severe weather, including strong winds, hail, and more extensive rainfall, leading to the suspension of classes and mass events.
The storm in Bahía Blanca has highlighted the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, resulting in significant rainfall, flooding, and the evacuation of families. Authorities have taken immediate action to ensure public safety, demonstrating the inter-agency coordination essential during such emergencies. With predictions of further storms in nearby Mar del Plata, proactive measures remain critical for protecting residents and managing potential future crises.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
