Rescue operations are underway in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, following devastating floods that resulted in 16 fatalities and left two sisters missing. The city faces extensive infrastructure damage, with communities receiving support from public figures and organizations. The incident emphasizes the growing concern over climate change and its impact on such disasters.
On Monday, rescuers in Argentina commenced searches for two sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away during flash floods that claimed 16 lives in Bahia Blanca over the weekend. Such extreme weather resulted in over a year’s rain falling in just a few hours, significantly impacting neighborhoods in the port city, situated about eight hours south of Buenos Aires.
The tragic incident unfolded as the sisters’ family became trapped in their vehicle, which was overtaken by rising floodwaters. Although a delivery driver managed to rescue the mother and children, the vehicle quickly filled with water, forcing the four to ascend to the roof. Unfortunately, a surge of water swept the driver and the children away, while the parents survived.
In response to this disaster, the Argentine government declared three days of national mourning as approximately 500 individuals remained in temporary shelters, four days post-flood. Moreover, around 100 people were unaccounted for; however, authorities suspect that many may be out of contact due to damage to cell networks and power outages across the affected regions.
Bahia Blanca’s mayor, Federico Susbielles, reported ongoing efforts to lower water levels through pumping and the construction of embankments. As of Monday, electricity had been restored to about 70 percent of households in the city, which has a population of approximately 350,000.%
Images revealed the extent of damage across several neighborhoods, showcasing streets littered with mud, debris, and overturned vehicles. Residents voiced grievances regarding the lack of public services, such as buses and banking, compounded by the necessity to conduct cash transactions due to disrupted payment systems.
A collaborative recovery effort saw around 200 firefighters and nearly 800 police officers deployed to prevent looting while cleaning up the aftermath of the floods. The overall infrastructure damage was estimated at $400 million, with significant destruction to 23 schools and vast areas submerged in mud.
To aid the victims, the central government approved 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in emergency reconstruction funding. Numerous soccer clubs and organizations have initiated fundraisers, while national coach Lionel Scaloni and notable figures, including Lionel Messi and Pope Francis, expressed their support and urged donations for those affected by the disaster.
This calamity has revealed the unfortunate realities of climate change, with environment official Andrea Dufourg emphasizing the need for effective preparation and early warning systems against such occurrences. Bahia Blanca has previously faced weather-related disasters, and Governor Axel Kicillof described the current flooding as an “unprecedented catastrophe.”
The floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, illustrate a tragic event resulting in loss of life and significant damage. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the community grapples with the aftermath of extensive flooding, with a focused response from local and national authorities. The support from notable figures and organizations reflects a strong communal effort to aid victims as the city prepares for recovery amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
