Bahia Blanca, Argentina, faced severe flooding from a storm, causing 13 deaths and displacing hundreds. The rainfall exceeded annual amounts within hours, prompting calls for improved climate preparedness and effective governmental response.
The Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca recently experienced a devastating storm, resulting in catastrophic flooding and significant loss of life. Authorities reported that 13 individuals have died, with fears of more casualties as residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of more than a year’s worth of rainfall occurring within just eight hours. Two young girls, aged four and one, remain missing and are believed to have been swept away by the floodwaters.
The storm caused extensive damage, with hospital rooms flooded and numerous neighborhoods submerged. Patricia Bullrich, the Argentine Minister of National Security, declared Bahia Blanca “destroyed.” The city’s mayor reported the potential for additional casualties in the community of 350,000 located about 600 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires. Rescuers have confirmed that five victims died after being trapped in vehicles caught in rapidly rising waters.
The rainfall, which began early Friday, totaled over 40 centimeters in just eight hours, an amount almost equivalent to what Bahia Blanca typically receives in an entire year, hence Minister of Security Javier Alonso characterizing the incident as “unprecedented.” Tensions escalated during a visit by government officials to the affected area, as residents expressed their frustration over the perceived lack of timely intervention, leading to a heated interaction.
Experts are now linking this extreme weather event to climate change, as noted by Andrea Dufourg, an environmental policy director. She emphasized the need for cities to adapt through education, preparation, and the establishment of early warning systems to mitigate future disasters. As of Saturday, the number of evacuees had decreased to 850 from a peak of 1,321.
In summary, Bahia Blanca has faced tremendous devastation due to an unprecedented storm that caused significant flooding and loss of life. The urgent response from officials has been marked by community frustrations and concerns over climate change. As the city begins to recover, the need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms is paramount to safeguard its residents against future extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
