Uruguay: Heavy rain and flooding displaces thousands as of January 18

Event

The Uruguay National Emergency System (SINAE) reports at least 4100 people were displaced nationwide due to heavy rains and flooding as of Friday, January 18. Authorities evacuated hundreds in the departments of Artigas, Durazno, Florida, Paysandú, Salto, and Soriano, while the National Directorate of Traffic Police has reported that flooding has disrupted traffic flow on highways in the Colonia, Florida, Rivera, Rocha, Río Negro, and Artigas departments. Meteorological authority INUMET has lifted all weather alerts as of Friday morning (local time). Road closures and associated transportation disruptions in the affected areas are possible through the coming days.

Context

Flooding is relatively common in Uruguay and can occur throughout the year.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding and transportation disruptions, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.