Tragic Flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina: 13 Dead and Hundreds Displaced

Bahia Blanca, Argentina, suffered severe flooding due to a storm, resulting in 13 deaths and displacing hundreds. Over 400 mm of rain fell in just eight hours, with significant casualties reported among those trapped in vehicles. The government is providing emergency aid, while local officials emphasize the need for climate change preparedness and effective early warning systems.

Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has recently experienced catastrophic flooding, resulting in 13 fatalities and displacing hundreds of citizens. Authorities reported that two young girls, aged four and one, are missing, possibly swept away by the floodwaters following a severe storm on Friday.

The intense rainfall resulted in over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) falling within eight hours, equating to an entire year’s worth of precipitation for the area, according to provincial security minister Javier Alonso. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich characterized the city as having been “destroyed.”

The mayor’s office has indicated that the death toll may rise, as the flooding impacted a population of approximately 350,000 residents located 600 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires. At least five victims succumbed while trapped in vehicles on submerged roadways.

As tensions escalated, Minister Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri faced protests from frustrated residents during a visit intended to assess the aftermath. Videos circulating on social media depicted locals challenging their presence as insufficiently timely.

Environmental official Andrea Dufourg linked the storm to climate change, asserting that such extreme weather events will persist. She emphasized the necessity for urban preparedness, citizen education, and the establishment of effective early warning systems.

As of Saturday, about 850 individuals remained evacuated from their homes, down from a high of 1,321. The storm required the evacuation of the Jose Penna hospital, where medical staff assisted in relocating infants to safety amidst rising floodwaters.

Emergency rescue footage revealed significant water damage across healthcare facilities and infrastructure, leaving floods of muddy water in several areas of the city. Despite the devastation, local doctor Eduardo Seminara remarked on the absence of casualties among his family, expressing gratitude for their safety.

In response to the crisis, the government has approved emergency reconstruction aid totaling 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million). Deteriorating conditions also left surrounding coastal regions without power, necessitating the temporary suspension of electricity services due to flooded streets. Previous disasters have struck Bahia Blanca, demonstrating the city’s vulnerability to severe weather incidents.

While Buenos Aires has experienced adverse weather, the impact remained considerably less detrimental than in Bahia Blanca or other affected coastal towns such as Mar del Plata, where officials suspended activities, advising residents to stay indoors.

The catastrophic storm in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has led to the tragic loss of 13 lives and significant displacement within the community. The inundation has prompted governmental emergency measures and highlighted the pressing issues of climate change and urban preparedness. The current situation underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and planning in facing the challenges posed by extreme weather phenomena.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com