Over 10,000 people remain displaced by flooding currently affecting all 19 departments of Uruguay.

At least 10 people have died as a result of severe weather in the country in the last 10 days. Five people died after a tornado hit the town of Dolores. A further five victims have drowned in floods.

Yet more heavy rainfall over the last 2 days is likely to prevent people from returning to their homes for the next few days. However, emergency authorities in Uruguay say the situation is under control and victims are being provided with food and health care.

According to the latest reports from Uruguay emergency authorities ( Sistema Nacional de Emergencias – SINAE), 10,097 people remain displaced by the flooding that has affected the country since 15 April 2016.

SINAE say that roads and highways have been blocked in over 30 locations.

    

The departments with the highest numbers of displaced are Artigas (639), Colonia (1,650), Durazno (2,179), Paysandú (1,411), San José (1,250) and Treinta y Tres (1,695). Although areas around Montevideo have been affected, SINAE say that no evacuations have taken place in the capital.

The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Institudo Uruguayo de Meteorología, INUMET) issued further orange level (level 3 of 4) rainfall warnings on 20 April. During the following 24 hours, at least 10 locations reported over 80 mm of rain. After a short respite, further heavy rain is expected from Saturday 23 April.

Despite the further heavy rainfall, SINAE say that the situation is under control in all affected areas. Relevant government departments and agencies are working together to ensure the health and safety of those displaced, and to provide technical support and food items.

    

Rainfall figures

Figures for 24 hours between 20 and 21 April, according to INUMET

Artigas

Baltasar Brum – 100.0 mm

Cerro Largo

Laguna Merín – 95.0 mm

Salto

Belén – 115.0 mm

Termas de Arapey – 103.0 mm

San Antonio_Sl – 95.0 mm

P. de Valentín (Rincón) – 90.0 mm

Quintana – 82.0 mm

Palomas – 81.0 mm

Tacuarembó

Valle Edén – 87.0 mm

San Gregorio – 98.0 mm

When the severe weather first struck, as much as 180 mm in 24 hours was observed in Rocha, in the east of Uruguay, on the 16 April 2016. The same day 150 mm of rain in 24 hours was recorded at the San José station and 140 mm in Florida, both of them in the south of the country.

Significant rain was also observed on Sunday 17 April 2016, with 121.5 mm in 24 hours recorded at Pasos de los Toros station in Tacuarembó Department, in central Uruguay.