Severe Flooding in Bahia Blanca Leaves Ten Dead and Thousands Evacuated

Severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has led to ten deaths and over a thousand evacuations. Officials responded to the disaster with emergency aid and rescue operations following unprecedented rainfall that inundated the city. The local community remains on alert for additional storms as recovery efforts continue.

In Bahia Blanca, Argentina, at least ten fatalities have been confirmed, and over a thousand residents have been evacuated due to severe flooding caused by relentless rain. The torrential downpour resulted in inundated homes and hospitals, compromised infrastructure, and prompted power outages. Mayor Federico Susbielles reported that 1,321 individuals were rescued, with emergency aid of 10 billion pesos approved by the national government to address the disaster.

The city, home to approximately 350,000 people, experienced unprecedented rainfall, exceeding 400 millimeters (15 inches) in just hours—a volume typical for an entire year. The situation has been described by Javier Alonso, security minister for Buenos Aires province, as “something unprecedented”. This storm surpassed the intensity of the previously recorded 175 millimeters from a storm in 1930.

In response to the crisis, soldiers have been deployed to aid in rescue operations, closing the airport, and selectively cutting power to mitigate electrical hazards. Aid has been initiated through helicopters, canoes, and ground vehicles delivering essential supplies to affected areas. The coast guard is also joining rescue missions using inflatable boats.

Witness accounts reflect the urgency and severity of the flooding. Local resident Flavia Viera Romero described a sudden surge of water entering her home, stating, “About a meter-and-a-half of water came into my house.” Bahia Blanca remains vigilant as meteorological alerts indicate potential for further storms, adding to the urgency for ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

The catastrophic flooding in Bahia Blanca, which resulted in at least ten fatalities and mass evacuations, highlights the significant risk posed by extreme weather phenomena. With emergency assistance and rescue operations ongoing, the city grapples with the immediate aftermath of unprecedented rainfall, underscoring the need for effective disaster readiness and response strategies in the face of climate change.

Original Source: www.france24.com