Violent Storm Slams Argentina’s Port City, Leaving 13 Dead and Cutting Power

The torrential downpour flooded hospital rooms, submerged neighborhoods, and left large parts of the city without power.

‍Catastrophic Storm Devastates Argentina’s Bahia Blanca, Leaving 13 Dead and Hundreds Displaced

Bahia Blanca, Argentina – A powerful storm unleashed a year’s worth of rain over Argentina’s port city of Bahia Blanca in just a few hours, leaving at least 13 dead, hundreds displaced, and widespread devastation. Officials confirmed Saturday that the torrential downpour transformed neighborhoods into islands, flooded hospital rooms, and knocked out power across the city.

Authorities reported that two young girls, aged four and one, are missing and feared to have been swept away by floodwaters following Friday’s storm. The number of casualties has steadily risen, increasing from 10 on Friday to 13 by Saturday. Officials warn that additional fatalities remain possible as search and recovery efforts continue.

National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich described the city as “destroyed” in the wake of the disaster. Bahia Blanca, home to approximately 350,000 residents and located 370 miles southwest of Buenos Aires, suffered some of the worst flooding in its history as over 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rain fell within eight hours—matching the city’s typical annual rainfall.

Rising Death Toll and Missing Children

Among the victims, at least five people perished on flooded roadways, likely trapped in their vehicles by the rapidly rising water. Search teams continue working to locate the missing young girls, whom Bullrich said “may have been carried away by the water.”

Hospitals Flooded, Power Cut Off

The deluge left parts of Bahia Blanca’s Jose Penna hospital underwater, forcing medical personnel to evacuate patients—including newborns. Videos circulating on social media showed nurses and staff carrying infants to safety, later assisted by the army.

At the height of the storm, city officials suspended electricity service due to extensive street flooding, leaving thousands without power. The surrounding coastal region also experienced outages.

Clashes with Officials and Calls for Climate Action

On Saturday, tensions flared as Bullrich and Defense Minister Luis Petri visited affected neighborhoods. Angry residents accused the officials of arriving too late and demanded a more immediate response. In a viral video, some locals attempted to drag Bullrich toward the floodwaters, shouting “get wet!” before police intervened.

Andrea Dufourg, director of environmental policy in Buenos Aires’ Ituzaingo district, called the storm a stark example of climate change. “Unfortunately, this will continue to happen,” she warned. “We must prepare cities, educate citizens, and establish effective early warning systems.”

Government Response and Recovery Efforts

Authorities have allocated 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in emergency reconstruction aid to support recovery efforts. Meanwhile, floodwaters have begun receding, with the number of evacuees dropping from 1,321 to 850, according to the mayor’s office.

The disaster comes just months after Bahia Blanca endured another severe storm in December 2023 that left 13 dead and caused widespread damage.

Elsewhere in Argentina, the storm brought heavy rains to Mar del Plata, where officials suspended nighttime activities and urged residents to stay indoors. Buenos Aires was also hit but suffered no major destruction.

As emergency crews continue to assess the full extent of the damage, residents of Bahia Blanca now face the daunting task of rebuilding their shattered city.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: NDTV‍