Bahia Blanca, Argentina, was severely affected by a storm bringing a year’s rainfall in hours, resulting in 13 deaths and widespread damage. Locals reported missing children swept away by floods, while hospitals were evacuated. The government allocated 10 billion pesos for recovery, as the storm highlights the city’s history of weather-related disasters.
Bahia Blanca, Argentina, experienced a catastrophic storm that brought a year’s worth of rainfall within hours, resulting in 13 fatalities and displacing hundreds. Local authorities reported missing two young girls aged four and one, likely swept away by the floods. The storm devastated local infrastructure, inundating hospital facilities and many neighborhoods, with National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich declaring the city “destroyed.”
The death toll increased from 10 to 13 as of Saturday, with further casualties anticipated in the port city of 350,000 residents, situated 600 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Five of the deceased were reportedly trapped in their vehicles on flooded roads. Emergency measures included the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital, with military personnel assisting medical staff in relocating patients to safety.
The torrential downpour, initiating Friday morning, unloaded over 400 millimeters of rain in just eight hours, equating to nearly a year’s precipitation for Bahia Blanca, as highlighted by provincial security minister Javier Alonso, who termed the situation as “unprecedented.” Images of inundated shops and instances of overnight looting were circulated in local media.
To address the disaster, the government has allocated 10 billion pesos for emergency reconstruction. The storm led to widespread power outages; at one point, electricity in Bahia Blanca was suspended due to the inundation. The number of evacuees peaked at 1,321 but had decreased to 850 by Saturday.
Bahia Blanca has a history of weather-induced calamities, including a December 2023 storm that also resulted in 13 deaths and significant structural damages. While heavy rains affected Mar del Plata, prompting officials to advise staying indoors, Buenos Aires remained mostly unharmed.
The storm in Bahia Blanca represents a significant disaster, resulting in 13 deaths and widespread destruction. With infrastructure severely impacted and a substantial number of evacuees, emergency aid has been mobilized. The historical context of similar weather events underscores the region’s vulnerability, necessitating attention to disaster preparedness and response. Overall, this incident highlights the increasing urgency of addressing climate-related challenges in urban planning and infrastructure resilience.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
