Bahia Blanca has been severely impacted by a storm that brought a year’s worth of rain in hours, resulting in 13 fatalities and numerous evacuations. The flooding has destroyed infrastructure, impacted hospitals, and led to significant power outages. Environmental experts cite this event as indicative of climate change, and emergency aid has been initiated for recovery efforts.
Bahia Blanca, a port city in Argentina, has experienced devastating flooding due to a rainstorm that delivered over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rainfall in just eight hours. This amount is nearly equivalent to the city’s annual average, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals and displacing hundreds. Two young girls, aged one and four, remain missing, feared swept away by the floodwaters.
The torrential rain began on Friday morning, leading to widespread destruction, including submerged hospital rooms and electricity outages for large parts of the city. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described Bahia Blanca as “destroyed,” with the mayor’s office indicating that the death toll may rise. The flooding trapped many residents on the roads, with several fatalities reported from vehicles caught in the fast-rising water.
As officials responded to the crisis, tensions mounted when residents confronted Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri during their visit to affected areas, expressing frustration over their delayed response. Environmental officials have indicated that such extreme weather is a clear manifestation of climate change, underscoring the necessity for improved preparedness and response systems in the face of future disasters.
The storm’s impact necessitated the evacuation of Jose Penna Hospital, with staff rescuing vulnerable infants and later receiving assistance from the army. Reports of looting emerged as local businesses were flooded, prompting the government to allocate emergency reconstruction aid amounting to 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million). Most coastal areas suffered power outages, and while Buenos Aires was affected, it did not incur significant damage.
The devastating rainstorm in Bahia Blanca underscores the lethal impact of extreme weather, leaving 13 dead and hundreds displaced. Officials are emphasizing the role of climate change in increasing such disasters. Urgent recovery efforts are underway, with government aid allocated to assist impacted communities, but the need for improved disaster preparedness persists in light of likely future incidents.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
