Bahía Blanca is facing severe flooding due to a violent storm that dumped over 270 millimeters of rain, leading to evacuations from hospitals and widespread infrastructure damage. The local municipality has declared a red alert and suspended public transport as safety measures. No casualties have been reported so far, and emergency assessments are ongoing.
Bahía Blanca experienced severe flooding early on Friday following a violent storm that commenced around 3:40 AM local time. This resulted in extensive destruction, prompting the evacuation of families, including newborns from a neonatal unit, as hospitals and streets became inundated. Authorities are yet to determine the impact on human life, though initial assessments highlight significant infrastructural damage.
The storm unleashed over 270 millimeters of rain within a four-hour timeframe, resulting in widespread power outages for numerous residents in a city with a population exceeding 350,000. The Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna” was notably affected, with staff carrying infants through flooded corridors during the emergency evacuation.
While no casualties have been reported, approximately 40 households were forced to evacuate. The Bahía Blanca mayor’s office indicated, “A large part of the city is impassable. Until the peak rainfall lasts, only heavy machinery can be mobilised.” Additionally, a red alert remains in effect, with ongoing rain predicted and all public transport suspended as residents are urged to take shelter.
The local municipality has announced a total cessation of activities due to the weather emergency to safeguard residents. Historically, Bahía Blanca has faced severe climatic events, with a recent windstorm in December 2023 resulting in 13 deaths and widespread infrastructural damage.
The flooding in Bahía Blanca underscores the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, prompting urgent actions for evacuation and safety. The impact of this storm, characterized by heavy rainfall and infrastructural devastation, is still being assessed. Local authorities have prioritized the safety of residents, thereby halting all activities in the region until further notice.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
