Uruguay – Flash Floods Leave 4 Dead, Dozens Displaced

Severe weather in Uruguay over the last few days has left 4 people dead, 1 injured and dozens displaced.

The country’s disaster management authority, Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (SINAE), reported that intense rain and storms from 29 September, 2018, caused damage to homes, and downed power lines and trees. Almost 50,000 people were left without power. Roads were blocked or damage, including 7 national highways. Some water courses overflowed as a result of the heavy rain.

Four people died in Rivera when their vehicle was swept away by the overflowing La Calera stream near Minas de Corrales. A further 4 passengers survived.

SINAE reported that at least 42 people had evacuated their homes across 4 departments of Cerro Largo (15 evacuated), Salto (11), Tacuarembó (8) and Treinta y Tres (8).

Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (INUMET) said that 97 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in Tambores, Paysandú Department on 30 September. Lapuente, Rivera Department, recorded 83 mm of rain during the same period.

INUMET issued an orange alert for strong storms and heavy rains on 29 September for areas in the country’s far north. This was later extended to cover northern, eastern and some central areas of the country.

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Flood Summary

Last updated: October 2, 2018
Event
Uruguay, September to October 2018
Date
September 29 to October 2, 2018
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Minas de Corrales
B - Cerro Largo
C - Salto
D - Tacuarembó
E - Treinta y Tres

Magnitude

Rainfall level
80 mm in 24 hours
Marmaraja, Lavalleja - October 1 to October 1, 2018
All figures from INUMET
Rainfall level
65 mm in 24 hours
Manuel Artigas Mal Abrigo, San José - October 1 to October 1, 2018
Rainfall level
65 mm in 24 hours
Villa Cardal, Florida - October 1 to October 1, 2018
Rainfall level

September 30 to September 30, 2018
Rainfall level
97 mm in 24 hours
Tambores, Paysandú - September 30 to September 30, 2018
Rainfall level
97 mm in 24 hours
Termas de Arapey, Salto - September 30 to September 30, 2018
Rainfall level
95 mm in 24 hours
Quebracho, Paysandú - September 30 to September 30, 2018
Rainfall level
85 mm in 24 hours
Cerro Amarillo, Artigas - September 30 to September 30, 2018
Rainfall level
83 mm in 24 hours
Lapuente, Rivera - September 30 to September 30, 2018

Damages

Fatalities
4 people
Rivera department - September 29 to October 2, 2018
Evacuated
42 people
September 29 to October 2, 2018
SINAE reported that at least 42 people had evacuated their homes across 4 departments of Cerro Largo (15 evacuated), Salto (11), a Tacuarembó (8) and Treinta y Tres (8)