Severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, killed at least ten and caused over a thousand evacuations following record rainfall. Emergency services are deployed, and officials are taking measures to mitigate risks. The province experiences heightened concerns over future storms after this unprecedented weather event.
At least ten fatalities and over a thousand evacuations were reported in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, due to severe flooding caused by torrential rains. The rain inundated homes, hospitals, and roads, prompting the emergency evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital, which serves as one of the city’s major medical facilities. Emergency services responded quickly, deploying the military and rescue teams to assist those affected in this city of approximately 350,000 residents.
In just a few hours, Bahia Blanca experienced more than 400 millimeters (15 inches) of rain, an amount that typically falls in a year. This unprecedented downpour was noted by Javier Alonso, the security minister for Buenos Aires province, who highlighted that the current storm surpassed historical records. The historical storm of 1930 had only 175 millimeters of rain.
Authorities closed the city’s airport and temporarily cut power in areas to minimize the risk of electric shocks during the flooding. The provincial government is mobilizing resources, including helicopters and ambulances, to deliver essentials like food and water to the flood-stricken area. Additionally, the coast guard is aiding rescue operations using inflatable boats.
Residents described a frantic scene as weather conditions quickly worsened. Flavia Viera Romero shared her experience of a sudden surge of water entering her home, measuring about a meter-and-a-half high. The floods caused significant disruption, overwhelming the hospital’s facilities and necessitating a swift evacuation of patients and medical personnel. The streets, designed to drain towards the sea, compounded the flooding, increasing the speed of the floodwaters and sweeping away debris and vehicles.
Bahia Blanca has a history of climate-related disasters, having faced significant damage during a windstorm in December 2023 that killed 13 people. The current flooding situation remains critical as meteorological services warn of potential new storms, posing ongoing risks to the affected areas.
The severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, resulted in ten deaths and extensive evacuations due to rainfall reaching unprecedented levels. With emergency services actively involved in rescue operations, the total rainfall has raised concerns about future storms in this historically vulnerable region. The response from both provincial and national governments highlights the urgency of addressing the disaster’s immediate impacts and preparing for potential further weather events.
Original Source: www.news-journal.com
