OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Uruguay - Floods
7 June 2001


Heavy rains cause serious flooding in northern, central and southern parts
of Uruguay

Situation

1.  According to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator's
office in Montevideo, 15 days of intense rain has caused flooding in the
northern part, in particular, in the department of Artigas, as well as in
the central and southern departments of Rivera and Durazno, respectively.

2.  For the last four days, the rain has been continuously falling,
causing flooding on some 20 routes. The Uruguay River's water level
reached quite a critical level. (According to the media, the water reached
5.98 m on 5 June, while the threshold level for evacuation purposes is of
6.10 m).

3.  The Director of the National Emergency System (SNE) informed that this
flood emergency was one of the worst experiences in the recent history and
that some 5,000 people had been evacuated (out of which, 2,059 children).  
Approximately, 1,200 houses have been affected, of which 240 totally
destroyed.

4.  The water level of the Cuareim River, in the department of Artigas,
has reached the record level of 14.18 m. Some parts of the department
continue to be isolated due to the flooding. Some 3,000 people are in
municipal shelters or staying with friends and families. Damage to the
agricultural sector is reportedly significant but an assessment has not
been carried out yet. School classes have been suspended.


National response

5.  The National Emergency System (SNE), consisting of authorities of the
highest level, met with seven Ministers (of National Defense, Interior,
Public Health, Housing, Economy and Finance, Transport and Public Works,
Labor and Social Security and three commanders of the Armed Forces.

6.  The Government has announced that it would provide all the assistance
needed to the affected population.  Technical staff of the Ministry of
Housing is visiting the affected region to evaluate damage caused by the
floods. The President of the Republic and the Ministers of Transport,
Housing and Defense will also be visiting the affected area. The National
Emergency System (SNE) is providing food, sanitation and medical
assistance to some 5,000 people.


International assistance

7.  The Government of Uruguay has not requested international assistance
to date.

8.  This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies
are also available on the OCHA Internet website, www.reliefweb.int.



Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

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

Press contact:
  Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo, Direct tel. +41-22-917-3160


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