Bahia Blanca faces devastation as historic floods leave 13 dead, hundreds homeless

Argentina’s coastal city of Bahia Blanca has suffered catastrophic destruction after a historic deluge dumped a year’s worth of rain in just hours, killing at least 13 people and displacing hundreds, according to officials. The extreme weather event, which struck on Friday, left hospitals underwater, entire neighborhoods submerged, and vast swaths of the city without electricity.

Authorities confirmed Saturday that the death toll had risen from 10 to 13, with fears of further casualties as search and rescue efforts continued. The city’s mayor’s office said the disaster had left thousands without access to basic services, with rescue workers battling floodwaters to reach stranded residents.

National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described Bahia Blanca as “destroyed,” as emergency services worked around the clock to assess the damage and provide aid to affected families.

Two Children Missing as Floodwaters Swallow Entire Communities

Among the missing are two young girls, aged four and one, who were reportedly swept away by floodwaters. Bullrich told local media that authorities were desperately searching for the children, fearing they may have been carried away by the fast-moving torrents.

The unprecedented rainfall, which began Friday morning, delivered over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rain in just eight hours—equivalent to the city’s average annual precipitation. Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso called the event “unprecedented” and warned that recovery efforts could take months.

Hospital Evacuations and Widespread Power Outages

One of the most shocking scenes unfolded at Jose Penna hospital, where medical staff had to evacuate patients, including newborns, as floodwaters surged into the building. Dramatic footage shared on social media showed nurses carrying infants to safety while rescue teams assisted in transferring patients to alternative facilities.

City officials also had to suspend electricity in some areas due to dangerous water levels, leaving large portions of the region without power. The storm also impacted the surrounding coastal areas, worsening an already dire situation.

Government Pledges $9.2 Million in Emergency Aid

In response to the disaster, the Argentine government announced an emergency reconstruction fund of 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million at the official exchange rate) to aid in the city’s recovery. Officials are prioritizing restoring power, clearing debris, and ensuring displaced residents have access to shelter and essential services.

The number of evacuees peaked at 1,321 but dropped to 850 by Saturday, with authorities working to provide safe housing for those unable to return to their homes. However, concerns remain that more casualties could be discovered as floodwaters recede.

Looting and Destruction as City Faces Second Major Disaster in Months

The scale of devastation has left local businesses and residents reeling. Reports of looting surfaced overnight, with some shops being ransacked amid the chaos. The flooding has effectively turned streets into rivers, cutting off entire neighborhoods and damaging infrastructure.

This is not the first time Bahia Blanca has faced extreme weather-related destruction. In December 2023, a deadly storm claimed 13 lives, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, other parts of Argentina also faced severe weather, with heavy rains battering the coastal resort city of Mar del Plata and leading officials to suspend evening activities. Buenos Aires also experienced storm conditions but did not suffer significant damage.

Recovery Efforts Underway as Officials Warn of More Extreme Weather

With search and rescue operations still ongoing, officials warn that further extreme weather events could compound the crisis. The destruction in Bahia Blanca highlights the increasing threat of climate-driven disasters in Argentina, with calls growing for improved flood prevention and emergency preparedness measures.

As the city begins its long road to recovery, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of yet another deadly natural disaster.