Uruguay - Drought OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2000/0029
Uruguay - Drought
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
24 February 2000

Disaster

Uruguay is in a temperate climate zone, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Normally rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The country has been frequently affected by floods, particularly in 1998, 1991-93 and in 1986.

However, since mid-1999, persistent drought has been causing serious water shortage and forest fires.

Affected area

The northern region

Extreme drought: Departments of Artigas, Salto, Paysandú, Río Negro and Cerro Largo.

Severe drought: Tacuarembó and Rivera.

Drought situation is more and more spreading over the country.

Damage

USD 250 million loss, estimated by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP)

Wheat yields in some areas are only one half of those obtained the previous year.

The few spring crops already sown completely lost.

National Response

The National Emergency System was activated, setting up a Technical Operations Unit to coordinate relief efforts with the mechanisms of various ministries, mayoral offices and the army.

The MGAP Natural Resources and Irrigation Development Programme is cleaning up springs. Support to farmers and stock-breeders.

Contacts

Telephone: +41-22-917 1234;
Fax: +41-22-9170023;
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-9172010

Desk Officers: Mr. Erik Haegglund/Mr. Carlos Pereira/Ms. Masayo Kondo direct tel: +41-22-917 32 99/13 83/19 97

Press contact: Mr. D. Kiniger-Passigli, direct tel. +41-22-917 26 53

This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int