Catastrophic Storm in Bahia Blanca: Ten Lives Lost and City to Rebuild

A storm in Bahia Blanca resulted in at least 10 deaths and widespread flooding, prompting officials to address the need for rebuilding. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated, with significant reconstruction aid approved. The unprecedented rainfall of more than 15 inches caused severe damages while power outages affected the area.

In response to the recent devastating storm in Bahia Blanca, an official from Buenos Aires province declared, “We have to rebuild a city,” emphasizing the extensive damages caused by record rainfall and flooding that resulted in at least 10 fatalities. Officials reported that over 1,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes due to the emergency situation, and local reports indicate that two young sisters are still missing.

The Buenos Aires government minister, Carlos Bianco, informed that the national and provincial governments are actively collaborating to address the aftermath of the storm. He noted, “Basically, we have to rebuild a city. There are people who lost everything.” The mayor’s office confirmed the death toll, highlighting that at least five victims perished in floodwaters, with the total number of evacuees reaching 1,128 as of early Saturday.

The torrential rains, which began on Friday morning, were described as “unprecedented,” accumulating over 15 inches (400 millimeters) within just eight hours, as reported by security minister Javier Alonso. The aftermath was marked by scenes of destruction including flooded shops, which also faced incidents of looting overnight.

In response to the disaster, the government has approved emergency reconstruction aid amounting to 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million). Significant power outages affected much of the coastal region, although local utility services managed to restore electricity to approximately 30,000 users by Saturday morning. Bahia Blanca has experienced similar weather-related calamities in the past, including a storm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 fatalities.

Additionally, authorities in the resort town of Mar del Plata, located south of Bahia Blanca, have canceled evening events and advised residents to stay indoors. While the storm also impacted the city of Buenos Aires, it reportedly did not cause significant harm.

The devastating impact of the recent storm in Bahia Blanca has led to loss of life and extensive property damage, prompting a declaration of emergency and collaborative recovery efforts by government officials. With the death toll currently at 10, and a number of residents still unaccounted for, the community faces a significant challenge in rebuilding. The government has authorized substantial financial aid to assist in recovery, as neighboring areas also take precautions against the severe weather events.

Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com