The storm in Bahía Blanca, caused by an unusual climatic phenomenon that has unfolded in the last few hours, is extremely serious. The wind and rain not only cut off the supply of services and hindered circulation on the streets, but also closed roads and dragged cars along.
The water flooded hundreds of homes, businesses, public institutions, and even the local hospital, where hospitalized patients and newborn babies had to be rescued and transferred.
According to the latest reports, rainfall accumulation reached 260 millimeters and it is expected that throughout the afternoon the storm will continue from light to moderate. Official organizations estimated that the peak of the storm has already passed, but they warned that precipitation will continue.
More than 40 families had to be evacuated, classes were suspended at all levels, and the public transportation system was restricted. The storm affected various services and caused countless issues at the Penna Hospital, where the Neonatology area had to be evacuated.
The impact of the storm in Bahía Blanca also affected the towns of Coronel Rosales, Monte Hermoso, and Patagones, but in Bahía Blanca, the damages were extensive: dirt roads collapsed due to sinkholes, in the outskirts neighborhoods, the water level inside homes reached a meter and a half, and dozens of cars were left floating in the streets.
At the Penna Hospital, the flooding in the Neonatology area forced babies and mothers to be transferred to rooms on upper floors, where there were already patients, and a few families could be taken to other health centers, which also experienced collapse.
Additionally, the flooding at the Penna Hospital reached the parking area, where ambulances and private vehicles were covered by water up to the door level.
The urban transportation service was completely canceled, and the Municipality ordered “the absolute cessation of all activities until further notice.” It urged residents to stay in their homes, avoid handling cables, and refrain from cleaning tasks on the streets to prevent accidents.
The rescue operations were carried out by local police, firefighters, and Civil Defense personnel. According to reports, the Coast Guard and the Gendarmerie were on site and available to assist upon request from the jurisdiction. Likewise, the Army is prepared to help with accommodation and evacuation if needed.
Classes at all educational levels were suspended. The National University of the South (UNS) announced the suspension of all academic activities and Pre-university Schools.
Activities at day care centers, early childhood centers, and programs of the Undersecretariat of Childhood, Adolescence, and Family, sports centers, clubs, and institutions were also suspended.
“It rained incessantly, strong and without stopping, the power went out in almost the entire city, the streets have turned into real rivers,” said Agustina, a city resident to Noticias Ambientales.
Recommendations to residents due to the storm in Bahía Blanca
Circulation in parks and public spaces of the city was restricted, and its situation continues to be monitored by the municipality.
National Roads suspended outdoor activities, but with a standby team to respond to urgent needs in the region.
The municipality, led by Mayor Federico Susbielles, set up evacuation centers at the following addresses: Belén Street (Güemes 250), Sansinena Club in General Daniel Cerri, the Natan Center in Villa Caracol, and the Division of the V Army Corps (Florida 1450).
Civil Defense, Delegations, Sapem Ambiental (waste collection), and Municipal Traffic are working to provide the necessary responses to the population.”
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