A port city in Argentina, Bahía Blanca, was flooded by heavy rain on Friday, resulting in at least ten fatalities and over a thousand evacuations. The Argentina floods disaster unfolded after eight hours of continuous rain, leaving the 350,000-person city mostly submerged and causing damage to roads, hospitals, and residences. To avoid electric shocks, officials shut off the electricity in some regions.

In a matter of hours, the city experienced more than 400 millimeters (15 inches) of rain, which is equal to its average annual amount. Security Minister Javier Alonso of the province of Buenos Aires called the incident “unprecedented,” pointing out that the last record storm in 1930 only brought 175 millimeters of rain.

The city is located roughly 600 kilometers (375 miles) south of Buenos Aires, and 1,321 residents were evacuated, according to a statement from Mayor Federico Susbielles‘ office. The national government approved ten billion pesos, or roughly $9.2 million, in emergency relief.

Hospitals Overwhelmed, Rescue Efforts Underway

One of Bahía Blanca’s primary medical institutions, the José Penna intensive care hospital, was inundated, necessitating an immediate evacuation of both patients and personnel. Doctors and nurses were shown on television transporting sick newborns from the neonatal unit to safety.

The provincial administration sent helicopters, ambulances, and supply trucks with food, water, and emergency supplies, and the army was deployed to help with rescue efforts. Additionally, the Coast Guard assisted by rescuing stranded residents with inflatable boats.

The airport in Bahía Blanca was closed until further notice. To reduce the risk of electrocution, officials cut off the electricity in several regions. A weather advisory for potential more storms is still in effect for the city.

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Residents Struggle Amid Rising Waters

Many residents were caught off guard by the storm’s sudden strength. “It was raining, and suddenly, about a meter and a half of water came into my house,” said local resident Flavia Viera Romero, describing how her home was swiftly submerged. She was able to save her children and take refuge in a truck.

As floodwaters accelerated the torrent and carried away cars and debris, the city’s sloping streets that lead to the sea worsened the flooding.

Climate-related calamities have a grim history in Bahía Blanca. A powerful windstorm in December 2023 damaged homes, caused significant destruction, and claimed 13 lives. As part of the ongoing Argentina floods response, emergency agencies are still trying to offer assistance and restore normalcy.

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