Heavy rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, have caused at least 13 deaths and missing persons. Flooding has severely damaged infrastructure and left many without power. Authorities fear further casualties as assessments continue.
The recent heavy rains in Bahia Blanca, Argentina have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives. The coastal city, located in the southwestern part of the country, experienced severe flooding and substantial destruction following the relentless downpour. Local reports indicate that two young girls, aged four and one, are missing and believed to be swept away by floodwaters from the storm that struck on Friday.
The torrential rain led to significant disruptions, inundating hospital rooms, submerging entire neighborhoods, and causing power outages across large portions of the city. Argentina’s National Security Minister, Patricia Bullrich, characterized Bahia Blanca as “destroyed,” highlighting the severity of the impact. Authorities are concerned that the death toll may continue to rise, as city officials have noted the possibility of additional casualties.
The deluge commenced on Friday morning, releasing over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rain in a mere eight hours, an amount nearly equal to Bahia Blanca’s average annual rainfall, as stated by provincial security minister, Javier Alonso. By Saturday, the number of evacuees had decreased to 850 from an earlier peak of 1,321, as emergency services assessed the full scale of the disaster.
This is not the first time Bahia Blanca has faced such adversity, as the city was previously affected by a storm in 2023 that also resulted in the loss of 13 lives and caused considerable damage to homes and infrastructure.
In summary, heavy rains in Bahia Blanca have led to the tragic death of at least 13 individuals, with two children still missing. The flooding resulted in significant devastation, rendering many areas without electricity and damaging critical infrastructure. The city has weathered similar disasters before, indicating a persistent vulnerability to severe weather events.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
