A severe flood in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, caused the deaths of ten individuals and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The city experienced unprecedented rainfall, prompting emergency responses from local and national authorities. Eyewitness reports detail the extreme conditions, with homes inundated and significant resources dispatched for aid. The situation is further complicated by the threat of additional storms.
On Friday in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, a catastrophic rainfall resulted in at least ten fatalities and the evacuation of over a thousand residents due to severe flooding. The downpour, which lasted for eight continuous hours, inundated numerous homes and hospitals, necessitating the evacuation of patients from the Jose Penna hospital.
The torrential rains caused immense disruption in the city of approximately 350,000, prompting emergency responses including military assistance. Approximately 1,321 individuals were moved to safer areas as the national government authorized emergency aid of 10 billion pesos, equivalent to around 9.2 million dollars.
In a staggering weather event, the city experienced more than 400 millimeters (15 inches) of rain in a matter of hours, significantly surpassing previous records. Javier Alonso, the security minister for Buenos Aires province, noted this was unprecedented compared to the historical storm of 1930, which delivered only 175 millimeters.
Baia Blanca’s airport remained closed due to the inclement weather, while local officials cut power to mitigate electric shock risks. Additionally, the provincial government dispatched resources such as helicopters, ambulances, and various supplies to aid those affected by the disaster.
Eyewitness accounts detail the extreme conditions as floodwaters invaded homes, with Flavia Viera Romero describing how “a wall of water about a meter-and-a-half high” entered her house. Residents remain on alert for potential further storms. The flooding situation was worsened by tidal waters, leading to the sweeping away of vehicles and debris.
Bahia Blanca has a history of severe weather incidents; the city previously encountered a devastating windstorm in December 2023, which resulted in 13 fatalities and extensive destruction. These repeated climate catastrophes highlight the increasing vulnerabilities faced by the region.
In summary, Bahia Blanca has experienced a devastating flood resulting in significant loss of life and massive evacuations due to unprecedented rainfall. The rapid response from emergency services, alongside national government aid, underscores the severity of the situation. As the community grapples with the aftermath, there remains an ongoing threat of further storms, emphasizing the need for heightened preparedness and resilience against natural disasters.
Original Source: www.news-journal.com
