Bahia Blanca, Argentina, was severely impacted by an unprecedented rainstorm, leading to 13 fatalities and mass evacuations. Authorities reported extensive flooding, missing persons, and a dramatic loss of property. The storm is cited as a clear example of climate change, prompting discussions on better emergency preparation. Government allocations for reconstruction have been announced, amidst rising community concerns.
On March 8, Argentina’s port city of Bahia Blanca was declared “destroyed” following a devastating rainstorm that unleashed a year’s worth of rainfall in several hours, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals and displacing hundreds from their homes. The deluge, which began the previous day, reportedly caused severe flooding, and two young girls aged one and four went missing, presumed swept away by floodwaters.
The extreme rainfall overwhelmed the city, turning neighborhoods into islands and inundating hospital rooms. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich remarked on the devastation, while the local mayor suggested the death toll could rise, considering the city’s population of 350,000. Many victims tragically perished in their vehicles as they became trapped by rapidly rising waters.
Provincial security minister Javier Alonso noted that Bahia Blanca received more than 400 millimeters of rain in just eight hours, a quantity typically seen over the course of a year. As tensions grew, officials faced angry locals during a visit to affected areas, expressing the community’s frustration over delayed emergency responses.
Environmental official Andrea Dufourg emphasized the storm as a manifestation of climate change, stating that preparation and early warning systems are essential for resilient cities. The number of evacuees decreased from a peak of 1,321 to 850 as of March 8. Evacuations included the Jose Penna hospital, where babies were carried to safety by medical staff and supported by the army.
As the storm left significant destruction, local media reported looting in flooded shops. The government has allocated emergency reconstruction funding of 10 billion pesos (approximately $12.24 million). While Bahia Blanca has previously experienced weather-related disasters, the recent storm led to a suspension of electricity across the city, impacting the area’s infrastructure significantly. Other regions, including Mar del Plata and parts of Buenos Aires, also faced heavy rainfall but did not experience major damages.
The recent storm in Bahia Blanca has underscored the devastating impact of climate events, highlighting the need for improved emergency preparedness and community awareness. This tragedy has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, stressing the importance of resilient infrastructures and early warning systems in mitigating future disasters.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
