Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
26-03-2024
What happened, where and when?
From March 16 to March 22, 2024 Uruguay experienced a series of adverse weather events that generated serious situations in different regions of the country. These events led to widespread flooding, fallen trees, road closures, and the displacement of many residents, including both evacuees and self-evacuees, due to intense rains and storms.
During the late evening of Wednesday, 20 March, the National Meteorological Institute (INUMET) issued a red weather alert, leading to a red alert by the National Emergency System (SINAE) for 18 departments of the country.
The most affected departments were Florida, San José, and Canelones, where river flooding and the suspension of drinking water supply complicated the situation. In other areas such as Tacuarembó and Salto, strong wind gusts were recorded, causing significant material damage. In particular, the department of Florida suffered serious consequences, with floods that even affected the water treatment plant, leading to the need to cut off the water supply to the city. The local mayor had to quickly coordinate cleaning and repair actions to mitigate the damage caused by these events.
Government authorities, along with emergency organizations, have been working diligently to provide assistance and coordinate rescue and aid efforts to those affected. One of the most critical moments was 20 March, when authorities declared a red alert due to the possibility of severe storms. This measure, in addition to impacting transportation and educational activities, left thousands of homes without electricity, further complicating the situation for the affected population. The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) continued to issue warnings about strong and persistent winds, especially in the southern part of the country, maintaining caution in the region.
However, the challenge persists due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions and the saturation of the soil due to water accumulation Despite the efforts made, road closures and thousands of customers without electricity persist, worsening the situation in terms of access and communication in the affected areas. Additionally, the need to reinforce prevention and response measures to these extreme weather events in the future has been evident. The current situation in Uruguay reflects vulnerability to intense meteorological phenomena, highlighting the importance of planning and response capacity to protect the population and mitigate damages in emergency situations.
In addition to the existing floods with over 6,000 displaced people, during 5-8 May, floods with displaced people were also experienced in the departments of Artigas, Cerro Largo, Durazno, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rocha, Salto, Soriano, Tacuarembó, and Treinta y Tres with over 2,000 displaced individuals.
Scope and Scale
The number of people displaced from their homes has reached a significant figure, with over 6,000 individuals displaced in various departments across the national territory, mainly in the departments of Florida, San Jose, and Canelones. Evacuations have been carried out in shelters as well as in the homes of relatives and friends, highlighting the magnitude of the impact on the population. This has led to an undercount, as there are families who chose to self-evacuate and have not been included in the tally of affected individuals.
The flood situation in Uruguay has posed a series of challenges in terms of mobility and access to different areas of the country due to road closures, affecting both rescue teams and the civilian population. The heavy rains and overflowing rivers and streams have led to the disruption of several roads, hindering vehicle traffic and the transportation of people and goods.
The road closures have led to detours and delays in travel, affecting the logistics of various economic and social activities as well as humanitarian aid efforts. Moreover, some areas have experienced damage to road infrastructure, such as landslides and sinkholes, further complicating the rehabilitation of the affected roads. Because of these conditions, the process may take time due to the extent of damage caused by the floods and the adverse weather conditions persisting in the region.
The situation of families affected by the floods presented a series of significant challenges that went beyond material loss. As the waters receded and the affected individuals began to assess the damages, a variety of challenges emerged that needed to be addressed comprehensively.
Home reconstruction is an urgent priority. Many houses have suffered severe structural damages, requiring not only building materials but also the assistance of professionals to ensure the safety of the rehabilitated structures.
Flooding brings health risks, such as waterborne diseases, sanitation issues, and the proliferation of insects and rodents. It is crucial to implement sanitation measures and provide access to medical care to prevent disease outbreaks.
Furthermore, floods often have a severe impact on local markets and the economy of communities. Crop losses, business destruction, and commercial activity disruptions negatively impact the economic stability of affected families. In addition to material losses such as furniture, appliances, and personal belongings, families also experience significant emotional losses.
Additionally, the situation was compounded by fears and risks of flooding from southern Brazil, which caused rising water levels in the Uruguay, Negro, and Santa Lucia Rivers. This escalation delayed damage recovery efforts and led to further displacement of families in Uruguay.