Massive Hailstorm Hits Tarija, Bolivia, Causing Widespread Damage
A recent hailstorm that struck the city of Tarija in southern Bolivia has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with feet of hail covering the ground and causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and vehicles. The storm, which occurred on Thursday, was described by Tarija Mayor Johnny Torres Terzo as an “atypical, very problematic year” for the city, which has already experienced fires and now ice.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
Mayor Torres Terzo has been working closely with risk management workers and other first responders to clean up the hail and assess the damage. In a video released by the city on Facebook, people can be seen using shovels to lift the hail from the ground, while a backhoe construction vehicle is used to scrape up the ice. The mayor himself can be seen holding a meter stick up to the mountain of hail, which measures up to past his knee.
Tarija Mayor Johnny Torres Terzo watches crews scrape up the hail.
(Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de Tarija / FOX Weather)
Extent of the Damage
According to Mayor Torres Terzo, the weight of the hail has caused significant damage to homes, health infrastructure, and sports infrastructure. A shed in the area even collapsed under the weight of the hail, and over 200 people have been deployed to help with the cleanup efforts. The mayor noted that “there is material damage, there is material damage to homes,” and that the city has a lot of work to do to recover from the storm.
Workers scrape the ice up with shovels.
(Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de Tarija / FOX Weather)
The roof of a shed collapsed from the weight of the hail.
(Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de Tarija / FOX Weather)
Conclusion
The hailstorm that hit Tarija, Bolivia, is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of being prepared for extreme events. As the city works to recover from the damage, it is clear that the storm has had a significant impact on the community. For more information on this story, visit Here
Image Source: www.foxweather.com
