Bahía Blanca suffered severe flooding from a powerful storm that struck early Friday morning, leading to evacuations of families and patients from a hospital. The storm dumped over 270 millimeters of rain shortly, leaving many areas without power. A red alert is in effect as authorities continue to assess the damage and prioritize public safety amidst ongoing rain.
Bahía Blanca, a coastal city in Argentina, faced significant flooding and destruction early Friday due to a violent storm. Families, including newborns from a neonatal unit, were evacuated as water inundated hospitals and streets after the storm started around 3:40 a.m. local time. Authorities are still verifying casualty figures amid the chaos.
The storm delivered over 270 millimeters of rain in under four hours, severely impacting the city’s infrastructure, which supports more than 350,000 residents and houses one of Argentina’s main ports. Many areas faced prolonged power outages as the rainfall disrupted daily operations.
The Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna,” a primary healthcare provider in Bahía Blanca, experienced flooding that forced urgent evacuation procedures. Emergency staff, assisted by the Army, transferred patients, including infants in the neonatal ward, to safety as corridors began filling with water.
Despite reports indicating no casualties at this time, at least 40 households were evacuated due to the severe conditions. The mayor’s office described many streets as impassable and stated that heavy machinery is the only equipment capable of navigating the area until the storm subsides.
A red alert remains in effect as meteorological services predict ongoing rainfall. Local schools have suspended classes, public transport is halted, and residents are advised to seek shelter. The municipality has ordered a complete halt to all activities for the safety of its citizens as flood assessments continue.
Bahía Blanca’s vulnerability to climate events is notable; the city suffered a deadly windstorm in December 2023, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life. The current weather situation emphasizes the city’s ongoing challenges with severe weather conditions.
The devastating storm in Bahía Blanca caused significant flooding, leading to evacuations, particularly from healthcare facilities. With over 270 millimeters of rain within hours, the city struggled with infrastructure damage and prolonged power outages, prompting local authorities to issue a red alert. The municipality’s response included halting all activities to ensure public safety. Historical weather events underscore the need for better disaster preparedness in the face of climate change.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
