Recent floods in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have led to ten deaths and the evacuation of around 1,000 residents. Over 400 millimeters of rain fell in just a few hours, disrupting infrastructure and prompting military assistance in rescue operations. The situation remains critical, with ongoing weather alerts for potential new storms.
Severe flooding recently affected Bahia Blanca, Argentina, where eight hours of incessant rainfall submerged the city, necessitating the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital. Home to approximately 350,000 residents, the city has been significantly impacted, leading to emergency response measures being implemented immediately.
Television coverage highlighted medical staff’s urgent efforts in evacuating infants from the hospital’s neonatal unit, while military personnel assisted in rescue missions. So far, around 1,000 individuals have been safely evacuated from the area, located roughly 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires.
Local authorities have confirmed six deaths due to the disaster, with concerns that this number may increase. Notably, Bahia Blanca experienced over 400 millimeters of rainfall within a few hours—a substantial amount, as it equals the city’s entire annual precipitation. Javier Alonso, the security minister, labeled this weather event as “unprecedented.”
Historically, the last significant storm hit Bahia Blanca in 1930, bringing 175 millimeters of rain. This current event is considered nearly three times more severe. In terms of infrastructure, the local airport has been closed indefinitely, and authorities have initiated power supply cutbacks to reduce electrical hazards.
To assist those impacted, the provincial government is sending helicopters, canoes, ambulances, and trucks filled with essential supplies such as food and water to the affected areas. Residents have recounted their traumatic flooding experiences, with Flavia Viera Romero sharing how her home was overwhelmed by water, leading her to rescue her children.
As recovery efforts proceed, the meteorological service continues to monitor the situation, with alerts issued for potential new storms in Bahia Blanca.
The flooding in Bahia Blanca has resulted in severe challenges for the community, with multiple fatalities, extensive evacuations, and infrastructure disruptions. The city’s rainfall levels have surpassed historic records, prompting urgent responses from both medical and military personnel. As recovery efforts continue, residents face uncertainty with ongoing weather alerts and the potential for further storms.
Original Source: sharjah24.ae
