March 7, Bahia Blanca: A port city in Argentina has been left reeling after relentless torrential rains triggered severe flooding, claiming at least ten lives and forcing the evacuation of over 1,300 residents. The city, located approximately 600 kilometers (375 miles) south of Buenos Aires, experienced eight hours of nonstop rainfall on Friday, submerging homes, hospitals, and roads and prompting authorities to cut power to prevent further risks.
The downpour, described as “something unprecedented” by Javier Alonso, security minister for Buenos Aires province, saw Bahia Blanca receive more than 400 millimeters (15 inches) of rain in just a few hours—equivalent to its annual average rainfall. “The biggest storm in Bahia Blanca was in 1930, with 175 millimeters. This is almost three times bigger,” Alonso stated.
The flooding forced the evacuation of the Jose Penna Hospital, one of the city’s main medical facilities. Dramatic television footage showed medical staff carrying babies from the neonatal unit to safety. The Argentine army and coast guard were deployed to assist in rescue operations, using helicopters, canoes, and inflatable boats to navigate the flooded streets.
Residents described the sudden deluge as a “wall of water.” Flavia Viera Romero, a resident, recounted how floodwaters surged into her home, reaching a height of 1.5 meters. “We took refuge in the truck with my family,” she told the LN+ channel.
The city’s airport has been closed indefinitely, and parts of the power supply were cut to reduce the risk of electric shocks. The provincial government has dispatched emergency aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, to assist the affected population. The national government has also authorized emergency funding of 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) to support recovery efforts.
Bahia Blanca, which slopes toward the sea, faced additional challenges as tidal waters intensified the flood currents, sweeping away vehicles and debris. This tragedy adds to the city’s history of climate-related disasters, including a devastating windstorm in December 2023 that killed 13 people and caused widespread destruction.
As the city remains on high alert for further storms, the focus remains on rescue operations and providing relief to those displaced by the floods. The disaster underscores the growing impact of extreme weather events and the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response systems.
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