Torrential rains and flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in at least 10 fatalities and over 1,000 evacuations. Officials have stated, “We have to rebuild a city,” as they initiate emergency reconstruction efforts. The unprecedented rainfall severely affected the area, leading to power outages and reports of looting.
On Saturday, Buenos Aires province officials reported that torrential rains and flooding in Bahia Blanca had resulted in at least 10 fatalities. More than 1,000 residents were evacuated, while searches continued for two missing sisters aged one and four. Carlos Bianco, Buenos Aires government minister, emphasized, “Basically, we have to rebuild a city. There are people who lost everything,” highlighting the extent of the disaster.
The local mayor’s office confirmed the death toll, with five casualties resulting from flooded roadways, and warned that numbers might increase. As of Saturday, 1,128 evacuees were recorded. The unprecedented rainfall, beginning Friday morning, caused over 15 inches (400 millimeters) to fall in just eight hours, noted Javier Alonso, the province’s security minister.
Images of flooded storefronts circulated in media, and reports of looting emerged overnight. In response, the government authorized emergency reconstruction funding of 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million). Many areas remained without power, although approximately 30,000 users regained electricity by Saturday morning. Bahia Blanca has a history of weather-related disasters, having faced another storm in December 2023 that killed 13 people.
Further south, in Mar del Plata, officials canceled evening events and advised residents to stay indoors due to the storm’s impact. While the storm also affected Buenos Aires city, it did not cause significant damage there.
The recent storm in Bahia Blanca has led to a humanitarian crisis, with significant fatalities and extensive property damage. Officials are focused on reconstruction efforts, with government support to aid recovery. The disaster prompts a review of emergency preparedness measures in the region, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements to withstand extreme weather.
Original Source: www.france24.com
