Bahia Blanca is experiencing severe flooding due to unprecedented rainfall, resulting in over ten deaths and the evacuation of 1,321 residents. The city’s infrastructure, including hospitals and roads, has been heavily impacted, leading to emergency aid measures and responses. Continuous rescue operations are underway as the threat of further storms looms.
On Friday, heavy rainfall in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, resulted in at least ten fatalities and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The coastal city was submerged under water as continuous rains led to flooding of homes and hospitals, which prompted the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital. Approximately 1,321 individuals were relocated to safety, as the city, home to 350,000 inhabitants, was left largely underwater after receiving over 400 millimeters (15 inches) of rain within just a few hours, surpassing its typical annual total.
The deluge, described as unprecedented by Javier Alonso, Buenos Aires province’s security minister, greatly exceeded the previous record storm in 1930, which produced 175 millimeters. In response to the crisis, emergency support totaling 10 billion pesos (approximately 9.2 million dollars) was sanctioned by the national government. Bahia Blanca’s airport has been closed indefinitely, while parts of the power supply were cut to minimize electrocution risks.
Various aides, including helicopters, canoes, ambulances, and trucks carrying essential supplies such as food and water, have been dispatched to assist the impacted areas. The coast guard is also aiding in the rescue efforts using inflatable boats. Accounts from residents, like Flavia Viera Romero, recount dramatic scenes of sudden flooding where water levels rapidly rose, flooding homes. The structure of the city, with streets sloping towards the sea, exacerbated the flood’s intensity, displacing numerous vehicles and debris.
Flood waters reached critical care wards, leading to the emergency evacuation of patients from the Jose Penna intensive care hospital. The ongoing threat of additional storms has left the city on alert. Bahia Blanca has a troubled history with severe weather incidents, having previously experienced catastrophic events that have claimed lives and caused destruction, including a recent windstorm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 deaths and substantial damage.
The recent torrential rains in Bahia Blanca have resulted in significant casualties and major infrastructure damage, making this incident a potential catalyst for future emergency responses. The drastic rainfall, exceeding historical records, highlights the vulnerability of the region to climate-related disasters. Immediate rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities strive to ensure the safety of residents while assessing damages and implementing restoration efforts in the wake of this unprecedented natural disaster.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
