Catastrophic flash floods have devastated the Argentine port city of Bahía Blanca, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 16 lives, with two young girls still missing. The unprecedented Argentina floods have displaced over 1,450 residents, causing widespread destruction and prompting extensive emergency responses.
Immediate Impact Of The Argentina Floods
Beginning on Friday, Bahía Blanca experienced an extraordinary 300 millimetres (approximately 12 inches) of rainfall over a few days, significantly surpassing the historical monthly average of 129 millimetres (5 inches).
This sudden and intense downpour led to severe flooding, submerging streets, homes, and vital infrastructure. Emergency services reported that five victims perished on flooded streets, likely trapped in their vehicles as waters surged uncontrollably.
The deluge also inundated hospitals, destroyed roads and bridges, isolated entire neighbourhoods, and triggered widespread power outages. The José Penna Hospital was among the affected facilities, necessitating the evacuation of patients, including newborns, with assistance from military personnel.
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Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Government Response
Rescue teams are tirelessly searching for the missing individuals, including two young girls aged four and one, feared to have been carried away by the floodwaters. Authorities have evacuated more than 1,450 people from the city, including patients from local hospitals.
In response to the disaster, the Argentine government has allocated 10 billion Pesos for emergency reconstruction efforts. City authorities temporarily suspended electricity supply to mitigate further risks, compounding the chaos caused by extensive flooding.
National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich told Asianet Newsable that the city was in ruins and cautioned that the death toll might increase. Meanwhile, Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso described the disaster as unparalleled.
The flooding in Bahía Blanca underscores the vulnerability of Argentina’s coastal regions to extreme weather events, sparking renewed calls for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures. As rescue operations continue and the community begins the arduous process of recovery, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected residents.
Cover Image Credits: @DDIndialive/X