Devastating storm Argentina leaves 14 dead

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

A devastating storm in Argentina has left a trail of destruction in the southwestern port city of Bahía Blanca, claiming the lives of at least 13 individuals and causing injuries, as confirmed by Mayor Federico Susbielles and local authorities.

The intensity of the storm, marked by winds reaching up to 140 kilometers (87 miles) per hour, struck Bahía Blanca on Saturday, prompting a swift response from emergency services. By 3:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, the scale of the disaster became evident as at least 300 people were evacuated from affected areas, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

In a grim assessment of the situation, the city council took to social media late Saturday, characterizing the storm’s impact as a “catastrophe” and reporting multiple injuries, some of which were deemed “extremely serious.” The sports club Bahiense del Norte emerged as a focal point of concern, with medical emergency and civil defense workers actively engaged on-site.

Mayor Susbielles, grappling with the gravity of the situation, declared three days of mourning in Bahía Blanca in a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. He expressed solidarity with the families and loved ones of the 13 deceased individuals, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting those affected during this challenging time.

Highlighting the ongoing risks, Mayor Susbielles urged citizens to prioritize safety by staying home, emphasizing the city’s continued state of emergency marked by electrical risks and the potential for falling trees and structures.

An update posted on X around midday local time revealed that the city council convened a Crisis Committee to plan their next steps in managing the aftermath of the storm. The sheer magnitude of the impact is evident from the overwhelming volume of emergency calls – the city’s emergency teams received 103,544 calls reporting downed trees, power lines, and signs, among other damages.

Acknowledging the widespread devastation, Argentina’s President Javier Milei’s office announced on Saturday that the national cabinet is collaborating with provincial and municipal authorities to coordinate assistance for victims and respond to the extensive damage. As the nation mourns the lives lost, efforts are underway to provide support and aid to those affected by this tragic natural disaster.

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