Following severe storms and flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, at least 10 people have died, and over 1,000 have been evacuated. Government officials are mobilizing resources for recovery and reconstruction, with emergency aid approved to aid affected residents. The storm has caused significant damage and power outages across the region, prompting comparisons to past disasters.
On a recent Saturday, an official from Buenos Aires province declared the urgent need to “rebuild a city” following devastating storms and flooding in Bahia Blanca, which resulted in at least 10 fatalities. Over 1,000 residents were forced to evacuate, with tragic reports of two sisters aged four and one still missing, revealing the storm’s severity.
Buenos Aires Government Minister Carlos Bianco shared that both national and provincial governments are collaborating to address the aftermath of this catastrophic weather event. He emphasized, “Basically, we have to rebuild a city. There are people who lost everything.” The mayor’s office in Bahia Blanca confirmed that five fatalities were due to flooded roadways, with the possibility of the death toll rising in the 350,000-strong city.
The torrential rains commenced early Friday, leading to an unprecedented downpour of over 15 inches (400 millimeters) within eight hours, as reported by Security Minister Javier Alonso. Images from local media depicted severe flooding in shops, accompanied by reports of looting during the night. In response to the disaster, the government has approved emergency reconstruction aid amounting to 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million).
The storm also resulted in widespread power outages in the coastal areas, though restoration efforts helped to reestablish electricity for about 30,000 residents by Saturday morning. Bahia Blanca has endured past weather emergencies, including a fatal storm in December 2023 that claimed 13 lives. In Mar del Plata, further south, local officials canceled evening activities due to the severe weather, urging residents to stay indoors. The storm also impacted the city of Buenos Aires, although it did not experience significant damage.
The recent flooding in Bahia Blanca has resulted in considerable loss of life and property, marking a critical situation requiring immediate reconstruction efforts. With national and provincial authorities collaborating on recovery measures, the community faces significant challenges ahead, compounded by the historical context of weather-related disasters in the region. The need to support affected families and restore essential services has become paramount in the wake of this unprecedented storm.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
