Bahia Blanca, Argentina, faces severe flooding with ten fatalities and over a thousand evacuations due to torrential rains. Emergency services are conducting rescues while the government provides significant emergency aid. The flooding is described as unprecedented, surpassing historical records and leading to widespread damage and the evacuation of major hospitals.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, torrential rains have resulted in severe flooding, leading to the deaths of at least ten individuals and the evacuation of over a thousand residents in Bahia Blanca. This catastrophic weather event occurred on Friday, inundating homes and hospitals, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and power outages. Authorities had to evacuate the Jose Penna Hospital, caring for its neonatal patients amid the chaos.
The fierce storm resulted in more than 400 millimeters of rainfall in a short span, equivalent to Bahia Blanca’s annual average. Mayor Federico Susbielles’ office reported that 1,321 individuals were relocated to safety, with emergency assistance totaling 10 billion pesos authorized by the national government. Security Minister Javier Alonso highlighted the storm’s unprecedented nature, emphasizing that it surpassed historical records.
In the wake of the floods, Bahia Blanca’s airport has been closed, and parts of the electricity supply have been shut off to mitigate risks of electric shocks. The provincial government deployed various means, including helicopters and rescue boats, to assist those in need. Eyewitness accounts detail harrowing scenes as residents witnessed rapid flooding, with one resident, Flavia Viera Romero, describing the shock of water surging into her home.
Emergency services are working diligently to address the ongoing crisis as the meteorological service continues to issue alerts for potential new storms. Images circulating on television and social media depict nurses and doctors urgently evacuating patients from the Jose Penna intensive care unit. The flooding situation is exacerbated by the geographical layout of Bahia Blanca, where the streets slope toward the sea, amplifying the flood’s impact. Historical context reveals that this city has faced numerous climate catastrophes, including a deadly windstorm in December 2023 that left substantial damage.
In summary, Bahia Blanca is currently grappling with significant flooding due to unprecedented rainfall, resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive evacuations. The city’s emergency services are actively addressing the disaster while faced with historical climate challenges. As rescue efforts continue, the community remains alert for potential additional storms after this record-setting deluge.
Original Source: thesun.my
