A severe storm in Bahía Blanca on March 7, 2025, resulted in over 270 mm of rain, causing widespread flooding and necessitating evacuations in the area. The Red Alert indicates further rainfall is expected, exacerbating the current crisis and damaging infrastructure across the region.
On March 7, 2025, Bahía Blanca, located in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, experienced an extraordinary storm that resulted in over 270 mm (10.6 inches) of rainfall within a mere four hours. This intense precipitation led to severe flooding, prompting mass evacuations in the city. The storm began at approximately 03:40 LT (06:40 UTC), leaving much of the coastal area submerged and disrupting power supply and essential services, including the evacuation of newborns from a flooded neonatal unit at Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna,” with critical assistance from the military.
Emergency responses included the evacuation of at least 40 households, and officials indicated that only heavy machinery could move through the inundated streets. A Red Alert remains in effect for Bahía Blanca due to the forecast of additional rainfall. Consequently, all schools and public transport services have been suspended until further notice. The Pampa region has also been issued a Red Alert, recognizing the heightened potential for extreme weather events.
The rainfall has wreaked havoc across central-eastern Argentina since March 2, causing extensive flooding throughout Buenos Aires Province. Tragically, one fatality has been recorded in Berazategui, with local authorities currently investigating the incident amid the ongoing flooding crisis. Over 680 individuals have been evacuated from their residences across the affected areas, with temporary emergency shelters set up to accommodate the displaced citizens.
Infrastructure damage is considerable, with at least 20 buildings reported as affected by floodwaters and associated storm impacts. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued several alerts for March 7, highlighting the risk of extreme temperatures, severe storms, and hazardous wind conditions. Rainfall projections suggest an additional 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches) may occur, alongside potential wind gusts exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph), with hailstorms posing additional threats to property and agriculture.
As alerts escalate to an Orange Level, officials have classified the storm risk in areas such as Tandil as extremely dangerous, forecasting exceptionally heavy rains and strong winds. Predictions indicate that this pattern of heavy rainfall is likely to persist across Buenos Aires Province for a minimum of 72 hours.
The catastrophic storm affecting Bahía Blanca has resulted in significant rainfall and consequential flooding, leading to widespread evacuations and infrastructure damage. A Red Alert is in effect for ongoing severe weather, with continued risks anticipated for the following days. The emergency situation demands close monitoring and rapid response to safeguard the health and safety of impacted residents.
Original Source: watchers.news
