Severe Flooding in Argentina’s Bahía Blanca Claims Lives and Forces Evacuations

Recent torrential rains in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, have resulted in at least 10 deaths and forced over a thousand evacuations. The city experienced unprecedented rainfall of over 400 millimeters, leading to significant flooding and disruption. Emergency aid has been approved, and rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities respond to this climate-related disaster.

On Friday, torrential rains inundated the port city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The heavy rainfall submerged significant areas, affecting homes, hospitals, and infrastructure, prompting authorities to cut off power to mitigate further disaster.

Bahía Blanca, with a population of approximately 350,000 and situated around 600 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, experienced an unprecedented eight hours of continuous rainfall, totaling over 400 millimeters—far exceeding its typical annual rainfall. This extreme weather caused the evacuation of the José Penna Hospital, where medical personnel were seen carrying neonates to safety.

In response to the crisis, the national government approved emergency aid amounting to 10 billion pesos (roughly $9.2 million). Buenos Aires province’s security minister, Javier Alonso, remarked on the severity of the situation, noting, “This is something unprecedented.” He compared it to the historical storm in 1930, which produced only 175 millimeters of rain—signifying the current storm’s impact is nearly three times greater.

The floodwaters, exacerbated by tidal currents from the nearby sea, wreaked havoc across the city, sweeping away vehicles and debris from homes. In light of the destruction, emergency services, including helicopters, boats, ambulances, and trucks filled with supplies, have been deployed. Additionally, the Coast Guard is actively participating in rescue efforts using inflatable boats.

The airport in Bahía Blanca has been closed indefinitely, with meteorological authorities warning of the possibility of subsequent storms. This recent disaster marks another in a series of climate-related events for the city, following a windstorm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities and extensive damage.

The torrential rains in Bahía Blanca have resulted in significant loss of life and extensive flooding, prompting large-scale evacuations and emergency responses. The unprecedented rainfall has triggered comparisons to past storms, highlighting the increasing severity of climate-related disasters in the region. With government aid approved and rescue operations in full swing, efforts are focused on assisting those affected and preventing further catastrophes.

Original Source: newscentral.africa