Sundiata Post – A powerful storm packing heavy rain and fierce winds killed at least 14 people in Argentina and two more in Uruguay, authorities said on Sunday, December 17, 2023.
The storm-packing winds clocked at up to 150 kilometres per hour (93 mph) caused the roof of a sports facility to collapse during a roller skating competition Saturday night in the city of Bahia Blanca, officials said.
The city official said another 14 people were injured in the incident.
Argentine President, Javier Milei, travelled to Bahia Blanca with several ministers on Sunday to coordinate aid efforts.
The storm claimed a 14th life in Argentina when a falling tree branch killed a woman in the town of Moreno, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Buenos Aires.
In Uruguay, at least two people died in the wee hours of Sunday as the storm knocked down trees and tore off roofs, the National Weather Institute said.