Severe Flooding in Bahia Blanca Claims Lives and Displaces Residents

Bahia Blanca, Argentina, faced catastrophic flooding due to torrential rains, resulting in ten fatalities and over a thousand evacuations. The city, receiving 400 millimeters of rain within hours, saw major infrastructure damage and forced hospital evacuations. Emergency responses are underway, with significant aid and rescue efforts being coordinated.

On Friday, severe flooding in Bahia Blanca, Argentina led to the deaths of at least ten individuals and the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The heavy rainfall flooded homes, hospitals, and roads, compelling local authorities to relocate patients from the Jose Penna hospital. The army was deployed to assist in rescue operations amidst challenging conditions.

Bahia Blanca, with a population of 350,000, experienced an unprecedented rainfall of over 400 millimeters (15 inches) in just a few hours, equal to its annual average. Mayor Federico Susbielles reported that 1,321 people were relocated to safety as officials introduced emergency measures. The national government has released emergency aid of approximately 10 billion pesos (about 9.2 million dollars).

The flooding led to the temporary closure of the airport and power supply cutoffs to mitigate electric shock risks. Efforts to provide aid included the provincial government deploying helicopters, boats, and ambulances, while the coast guard used inflatable boats for rescues.

Residents expressed their fears during the disaster, recounting the sudden rise of floodwaters. Flavia Viera Romero described, “About a meter-and-a-half of water came into my house,” as she worked to rescue her children. Bahía Blanca has a troubling history of climate catastrophes, emphasizing the vulnerability of the region to such weather extremes.

The recent flooding in Bahia Blanca illustrates the critical impact of extreme weather on communities, leading to loss of life, displacement, and significant property damage. Authorities are responding with emergency measures and assistance to ensure the safety and recovery of affected individuals. The historic rainfall serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of climate-related disasters observed in the region.

Original Source: www.news-journal.com