Severe thunderstorm wreaks havoc along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, leaving at least 13 dead in Bahia Blanca

A severe thunderstorm with wind gusts up to 150 km/h (92 mph) struck the coastal city of Bahia Blanca in Argentina on December 16, 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people. The city, located near the southern tip of Buenos Aires province, is one of Argentina’s prime grain-producing regions.

The storm caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of a roof of Club Bahiense del Norte where people had taken shelter during the storm. Local media reported that the facility was hosting a skating competition when the storm struck, causing the tragic incident.

The local authorities have confirmed the death toll and expressed concerns that the number of casualties might rise as search and rescue operations continue. Emergency services are currently engaged in finding survivors and providing medical assistance to those injured​​.

“Unfortunately, the emergency service confirms the death of 13 people in the Bahiense del Norte club,” officials said in a statement, adding that some people remained trapped under the rubble.

Residential homes, commercial establishments, and public facilities have all been heavily affected. The images and videos emerging from Bahia Blanca show collapsed structures, debris-strewn streets, and uprooted trees.

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Shared on social media, the result of extreme weather in the city of Buenos Aires.

Compartido en redes sociales, el resultado de vientos de alto poder en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. #Argentina #BahiaBlanca #Tornado pic.twitter.com/BwnhLeVfr3

— Ares, Information Service (@Aresinfoservice) December 17, 2023

Damage to the Olimpo stadium and the Estudiantes club due to the strong wind storm in Bahía Blanca of Buenos Aires province, Argentina 🇦🇷

Video: Cindy
TELEGRAM JOIN 👉 https://t.co/yY0dMMK1fg pic.twitter.com/I8D1TEMRfX

— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) December 17, 2023

Es realmente INSÓLITO que la Bresh no haya suspendido la fecha sabiendo que se venía la tormenta más preanunciada del siglo. Ahora les va a salir cara la ambición. pic.twitter.com/VwAmHUsLPq

— Marian Herrera (@_marianherrera) December 17, 2023

Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires province, Argentina |
16 December 2023 | #Argentina #storm #BahíaBlanca pic.twitter.com/NY9fjvoiqA

— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) December 17, 2023

#BREAKING : Temporary… several planes are going to be out of service, passengers must be patient! #Aeroparque #BahíaBlanca #Argentina #Airport #Aeroparque #Pampa #BahiaBlanca #BuenosAires #Damage #Storm #Tornado #Hailstorm #Hail #Destruction #Argentinanews #Latest #Tragic… pic.twitter.com/5D8d9PGj0F

— mishikasingh (@mishika_singh) December 17, 2023

#BREAKING : The wind moving even the planes and destroying the sleeves!! #Aeroparque #Temporal #Aeroparque #BahíaBlanca #Argentina #Airport #Aeroparque #Pampa #BahiaBlanca #BuenosAires #Damage #Storm #Tornado #Hailstorm #Hail #Destruction #Argentinanews #Latest #Tragic… pic.twitter.com/8mSuwwtUDL

— mishikasingh (@mishika_singh) December 17, 2023

Local government and aid organizations are working to provide temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected​​.

President Javier Milei’s office has issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the victims. The president’s office also recommended that locals remain inside their homes through Sunday morning, citing the destructive wind gusts in the area exceeding 150 km/h (93 mph).

References:

¹ Severe storm strikes coastal city in Argentina, at least 13 dead – Reuters – December 17, 2023

² Tragedia en Bahía Blanca por un tornado: 13 muertos – Cronica – December 17, 2023

Featured image credit: Cronica