Bahia Blanca, Argentina, was devastated by a massive rainstorm causing 13 deaths and extensive flooding. Hundreds were displaced, and emergency reconstruction aid was approved. Two young girls are missing, and reports of looting and infrastructure damage have surfaced, as the area received an entire year’s worth of rain in just hours.
The port city of Bahia Blanca in Argentina has experienced devastating damage following an extraordinary rainstorm that resulted in one year’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours. As per authorities, the storm has tragically claimed 13 lives and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes. Two young girls, ages four and one, are reported missing, likely swept away by floodwaters.
The torrential rain led to flooded hospital wards, submerged neighborhoods, and widespread power outages throughout the city. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich stated emphatically that Bahia Blanca had been “destroyed.” The death toll rose to 13, with potential for more casualties among the city’s 350,000 residents as officials continue to assess the impact.
Tragically, at least five victims are confirmed to have died on roadways, reportedly trapped in vehicles as floodwaters rose rapidly. The storm prompted the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital, where medical staff were seen transporting infants to safety, assisted later by the army. The downpour delivered over 400 millimeters of rain within eight hours, an amount typical for an entire year in Bahia Blanca, according to provincial security minister Javier Alonso, who described the situation as “unprecedented.”
Emergency measures are being enacted, including the allocation of 10 billion pesos for reconstruction aid. In addition to flooding, the storm resulted in significant looting in local shops. Electricity in much of the area was cut as a precaution, with a peak of 1,321 evacuees reported, which has since decreased to 850.
Bahia Blanca has a history of severe weather events, such as a past storm in December 2023 that also led to fatalities and substantial infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, neighboring towns like Mar del Plata experienced heavy rains, prompting safety measures and indoor advisories, although Buenos Aires incurred no severe damage from the storm.
The unprecedented storm that struck Bahia Blanca has inflicted severe devastation, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction. With historical precedents highlighting the vulnerability of the area to severe weather, the response emphasizes the need for emergency measures and assistance. The situation will continue to develop as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and recover from this calamity.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
