Ten individuals perished and over a thousand were evacuated due to severe floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, following unprecedented rainfall. Hospitals were inundated, requiring emergency responses. Over 400 millimeters of rain fell in a short time, marking a significant weather event in the city’s history. Officials are engaged in rescue operations as further storms are anticipated.
On Friday, torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, resulted in at least ten fatalities and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The deluge caused widespread flooding, inundating homes and hospitals, damaging infrastructure, and necessitating power outages. Authorities received emergency aid authorization of 10 billion pesos from the national government in response to the crisis.
The relentless rainfall, amounting to over 400 millimeters (15 inches), overwhelmed the city of 350,000, causing significant disruption. Evacuations included the Jose Penna hospital, where medical staff were seen carrying neonates to safety on television. Mayor Federico Susbielles’ office confirmed that 1,321 individuals were moved to safety as emergency services mobilized.
Bahia Blanca’s experience with extreme weather was underscored by Javier Alonso, the security minister for Buenos Aires province, noting that this rain event surpassed the previous record set in 1930 by nearly three times. The city remains vigilant as further rain is anticipated, prompting officials to close the airport and enact power supply restrictions to mitigate risks.
Rescue efforts are underway, supported by the provincial government through the deployment of helicopters, ambulances, and boats. A local resident, Flavia Viera Romero, described the sudden onset of floodwaters in her home, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Bahia Blanca’s susceptibility to severe weather events is noteworthy, as it previously suffered from a destructive windstorm in December 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and extensive damage.
The recent floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, highlight the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by a record-breaking rainfall that caused significant loss of life and widespread damage. Emergency responses are currently in place, including evacuations and the provision of essential services. The situation remains precarious as authorities monitor the weather for further developments, underscoring the need for ongoing preparation for similar future incidents.
Original Source: www.france24.com
