Severe Storm Claims lives in Argentina with 150km/h winds; Death toll at 14

Tragedy struck eastern Argentina as a powerful storm, accompanied by winds reaching 150km/h (93mph), claimed the lives of fourteen individuals in the port city of Bahia Blanca. The storm, which hit on Saturday and continued towards the capital on Sunday, resulted in widespread damage to buildings, power outages, and loss of lives.

Thirteen people were killed when part of a sports centre's roof collapsed during a roller skating competition in Bahia Blanca, with an additional 14 individuals sustaining injuries. The storm also caused havoc in neighbouring Uruguay, claiming two lives and causing substantial damage to infrastructure.

As the storm battered the region, an orange weather alert was in effect in parts of Buenos Aires province, signaling a significant threat to life and property. The destructive winds were captured in footage at the Aeroparque airport near Buenos Aires, where a parked plane was tossed around, and boarding stairs were blown across the runway.

Witnesses reported scenes of chaos, with fallen trees crushing cars, blocked streets, and dangling cables. President Javier Milei, who recently assumed office, visited Bahia Blanca with ministers to assess the damage, and the government is collaborating with local authorities to aid victims and manage the aftermath of the calamity.