Bahía Blanca, Argentina, has suffered grave flooding resulting in 13 deaths and evacuations after massive rainfall. The storm’s rainfall surpassed annual averages in hours, affecting infrastructure and power supply. Local authorities emphasize the connection to climate change and stress the need for better preparedness.
The port city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina, has experienced catastrophic flooding, reminiscent of a year’s worth of rain falling in merely hours, resulting in 13 fatalities and the evacuation of hundreds. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described the city as “destroyed” following the storm that struck on Friday, causing substantial devastation. Tragically, two young girls, aged four and one, remain missing, possibly swept away by the floodwaters.
The torrential downpour left hospital wards submerged and transformed neighborhoods into islands, disrupting electricity supply across vast areas. The current death toll rose from 10 fatalities on Friday to 13 by Saturday, with officials indicating that further casualties are likely in a city with approximately 350,000 residents, situated around 600 kilometers from Buenos Aires. At least five victims perished on flooded roads, potentially trapped in their vehicles.
The storm’s onset on Friday morning resulted in over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rain in just eight hours, a volume typically seen over the entire year. Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso remarked, “This is unprecedented.” Tensions escalated as officials attempted to survey affected neighborhoods, with residents expressing frustration over their delayed visit.
Environment official Andrea Dufourg attributed the extreme weather event to climate change and stressed the need for cities to prepare for future occurrences. The evacuation count on Saturday decreased to 850 individuals, having peaked at 1,321. The storm also prompted the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital, with video evidence showing caregivers transporting infants to safety, supported by military personnel.
Reports of infrastructure destruction followed, including nearly one and a half meters of water flooding medical offices and resultant looting incidents. The government has allocated 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) for emergency reconstruction, while the power supply remains interrupted in coastal regions. Historical data reveals that Bahía Blanca has previously faced severe weather disasters, including a fatal storm in December 2023, and the recent heavy rains have also affected nearby locales with emergency advisories issued in places like Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires without significant damage.
In conclusion, the violent storm in Bahía Blanca has caused unprecedented damage, resulting in multiple fatalities, significant infrastructure devastation, and widespread evacuations. The event highlights the increasing threat of climate change and necessitates improved preparedness and response strategies for urban areas. The government’s quick response and allocation of resources are critical in addressing the aftermath of this disaster and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
