Torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, caused severe flooding, resulting in 10 deaths and over 1,000 evacuations. The city received record rainfall, leading to substantial emergency responses. A national aid package has been approved, and authorities are managing rescue operations while preparing for potential additional storms.
A catastrophic flooding event in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, has claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals and prompted the evacuation of over 1,000 residents. This disaster struck the city with relentless torrential rains, significantly inundating homes, hospitals, and infrastructure. Authorities responded by cutting off power to prevent further hazards.
Bahía Blanca, a city of 350,000 located 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, experienced extraordinary rainfall totaling over 400 millimeters—substantially exceeding its annual average—in just eight hours. The deluge resulted in the urgent evacuation of key facilities, including the José Penna Hospital, where medical staff were seen rescuing infants from the neonatal unit.
The national government has allocated emergency assistance of 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) to aid in recovery efforts. Buenos Aires province’s security minister Javier Alonso commented on the severity, stating, “This is something unprecedented,” and noted the historical context of previous storms.
Floodwaters, exacerbated by tidal surges from the coastline, swept through the urban landscape, displacing vehicles and debris. In light of the destruction, rescue operations have been initiated, employing helicopters, boats, and ambulances equipped with essential supplies. The Coast Guard has also contributed with inflatable boats during the rescue missions.
As a result of the floods, Bahía Blanca’s airport has been shut down indefinitely, with meteorological officials alerting citizens to potential upcoming storms. This incident adds to a series of climate-induced disasters in the region, following a windstorm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and extensive damage to the city.
The recent flooding in Bahía Blanca represents a significant and unprecedented natural disaster, with at least 10 lives lost and thousands evacuated. The area experienced record rainfall, leading to widespread destruction and emergency responses that involved various local agencies. Ongoing management of the situation is critical, as further storms could exacerbate the crisis, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate resilience in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
