Following torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, at least 10 people have died and over 1,000 have been evacuated. Officials stress the need to rebuild the city, as rescue efforts continue for missing individuals. The government has issued emergency aid amid extensive flooding and power outages. Previous storms have also impacted the area.
On Saturday, a high-ranking official in Buenos Aires province emphasized the urgent need to “rebuild a city” after severe flooding in Bahia Blanca resulted in at least ten fatalities. This devastating weather event has led to the evacuation of over 1,000 residents from their homes, with two young sisters still reported missing.
Carlos Bianco, the Buenos Aires government minister, remarked on local radio that both national and provincial governments are working together to address the aftermath of the storm, highlighting the severe impact on families who have lost their livelihoods. The mayor’s office confirmed the death toll and noted that five individuals died due to flooded roadways, with concerns that the number of fatalities may still increase in the city of 350,000 residents.
The unprecedented storm, which began on Friday morning, delivered more than 15 inches of rain within eight hours, according to Javier Alonso, the province’s security minister. Reports from local media depicted scenes of widespread flooding, including submerged shops and instances of overnight looting.
In response to this calamity, the government has allocated emergency reconstruction funds amounting to 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million). The storm also disrupted power for many in the coastal region, although by Saturday morning, restoration efforts had managed to reconnect service to around 30,000 customers. Bahia Blanca has historically faced similar weather-related disasters, having previously experienced a storm in December 2023 that resulted in 13 deaths. Nearby, in Mar del Plata, officials have suspended evening activities while advising residents to stay indoors. Fortunately, while the city of Buenos Aires did experience the storm, it did not sustain significant damage.
The severe flooding in Bahia Blanca has resulted in at least 10 deaths and the evacuation of over 1,000 residents, leading authorities to stress the urgent need for reconstruction. With unprecedented rainfall leading to tragic consequences, the government’s swift allocation of emergency aid aims to alleviate the devastation. Long-term recovery plans will be essential in addressing the widespread damages following this calamity.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
