Bahia Blanca, Argentina experienced catastrophic flooding due to a rainstorm, killing 13 and displacing hundreds. The unprecedented storm delivered a year’s worth of rain in hours, leading to significant infrastructural damage and evacuation efforts. Local officials attributed the event to climate change and promised emergency aid for recovery.
Bahia Blanca, a port city in Argentina, faced catastrophic damage following a torrential rainstorm that delivered an entire year’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours, resulting in 13 fatalities and displacing hundreds of residents on March 8. Two young girls, aged four and one, remained missing, suspected to have been swept away by the floodwaters after the storm on March 7. Hospitals were submerged, neighborhoods transformed into islands, and significant portions of the city lost power as the storm progressed, according to officials.
The death toll rose from 10 to 13, as local authorities indicated that further casualties might arise in the city, which has a population of 350,000 located approximately 600 kilometers south-west of Buenos Aires. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich referred to the devastation, stating, “Bahia Blanca was ‘destroyed’.” Initial reports revealed that at least five individuals died trapped in vehicles due to sudden flooding.
The intense downpour commenced on March 7, unleashing over 400mm of rain within eight hours, a volume typically accumulated over an entire year in Bahia Blanca, remarked provincial security minister Javier Alonso. The unprecedented nature of this storm was emphasized by both officials and local residents, as city leaders attempted to engage with affected communities. However, tempers escalated, with residents expressing frustration that officials had not visited sooner.
Environment official Andrea Dufourg attributed this extreme weather event to climate change, urging the need for enhanced city preparedness, citizen education, and early warning systems. As of March 8, about 850 people had been evacuated, down from a peak of 1,321 individuals, according to the mayor’s office. The storm also necessitated the evacuation of patients from Jose Penna hospital, with video footage capturing staff relocating infants to safety.
Damage was widespread, with reports of flooded shops and instances of looting. Although the government has authorized 10 billion pesos (approximately $12.24 million) in emergency aid for reconstruction, the immediate impact left the coastal area with significant challenges, including power outages. Past weather-related disasters have afflicted Bahia Blanca, including a storm in December 2023 that caused similar devastation.
In summary, the storm in Bahia Blanca has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation, prompting government officials to respond with emergency measures and aid. The impact of climate change has been cited as a contributing factor to the extreme weather event, necessitating community preparedness and effective response strategies. As efforts to assist and reconstruct the affected areas begin, the resilience of the city’s residents remains evident amidst the struggle to recover from this tragedy.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
