By Fatimah Idera
As climate changes continue to impact various locations, a heavy rainstorm struck the Argentine port city of Bahia Blanca, southwest of the capital Buenos Aires, leaving 10 people dead and causing widespread flooding.
According to reports, more than 260 millimeters (10 inches) of rain fell within a few hours, destroying bridges, collapsing asphalt roads, and resulting in fatalities.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bahia Blanca authorities confirmed that all available resources were being deployed, with municipal teams working on emergency response efforts.
“The storm forced the evacuation of homes and health centers in the major commercial port city, located about 600 km (400 miles) from the capital,” officials stated.
Amid the crisis, President Javier Milei canceled his scheduled activities in Mendoza province on Saturday, according to his spokesperson, Manuel Adorni. However, Adorni did not confirm whether Milei would travel to Bahia Blanca to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced on X that the government had approved 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) in financial aid for Bahia Blanca, which is home to 300,000 residents in Buenos Aires province.
While climate change remains an ongoing challenge, experts emphasize that its impacts can be mitigated through proactive environmental measures. Human activities also contribute to these extreme weather patterns, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable policies to manage unexpected climate consequences effectively.