Torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina resulted in at least 10 fatalities and over a thousand evacuations, overwhelming the city with record rainfall. The national government announced emergency aid while authorities initiated rescue operations. The disaster follows a pattern of climate-related catastrophes in the region.
In Bahía Blanca, Argentina, torrential rains have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The deluge, which occurred on Friday, inundated substantial areas of the city, rendering homes, hospitals, and roads impassable. In an effort to mitigate further risks arising from the floods, authorities made the decision to cut power supplies.
The catastrophic weather event struck the port city, which is home to approximately 350,000 individuals and situated around 600 kilometers (375 miles) south of Buenos Aires. Continuous rainfall persisted for eight hours, leading to an astonishing accumulation of over 400 millimeters (15 inches)—far exceeding the city’s average yearly precipitation.
The extreme weather conditions prompted the evacuation of the José Penna Hospital, allowing medical personnel to transport vulnerable infants from the neonatal unit to safety. In response to this emergency, the national government has allocated emergency aid amounting to 10 billion pesos, equating to roughly $9.2 million.
Buenos Aires province security minister Javier Alonso described the situation as “unprecedented,” noting that the rain experienced is almost three times greater than the most substantial recorded storm in Bahía Blanca in 1930, which registered only 175 millimeters of rain. Floodwaters, exacerbated by tidal currents from the adjacent sea, swept through urban areas, displacing vehicles and debris from compromised structures.
To facilitate rescue efforts, Argentine authorities have dispatched helicopters, boats, ambulances, and trucks, all loaded with essential supplies. The Coast Guard has actively engaged in the operation, utilizing inflatable boats to assist in rescues. Currently, Bahía Blanca’s airport has been closed indefinitely, and meteorological services have issued warnings regarding potential additional storms.
This calamity adds to a series of climate-related disasters impacting Bahía Blanca, following a windstorm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 deaths and extensive damage throughout the city.
The recent floods in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, have left a profound impact, claiming lives and forcing evacuations due to unprecedented rainfall levels. The situation has prompted emergency aid deployment and rescue operations to alleviate the crisis. With climate change contributing to such natural disasters, the city continues to face challenges that necessitate urgent governmental and community responses.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
