Salto Faces Storm Damage, Rising River Amid El Niño Concerns

Salto, Uruguay, is grappling with the aftermath of a severe storm that brought winds gusting up to 102 km/h, tearing roofs off homes and felling a large tree in the city center. The storm primarily impacted the southern part of the city, with residents in the Don Atilio neighborhood experiencing significant damage.

Adding to the challenges, the Uruguay River continues to rise, reaching 10.81 meters, well above its usual 3-meter level. The Departmental Emergency Coordination Center (Cecoed) is actively managing multiple fronts to assist residents affected by the adverse weather.

Local officials are also addressing lingering issues from a previous storm on July 18. Salto's Intendant, Carlos Albisu, reported that approximately 340 homes have received direct interventions. He emphasized the ongoing vigilance regarding the Uruguay River and the anticipated complex effects of El Niño, stating that preparations, resource allocation, and scenario analysis are underway to manage future events.

“

We continue to be alert day by day with the Uruguay River, we know that the effects of El Niño will be more complex for this area of the country, and we have been preparing since the first moment. We plan actions, save resources, and are analyzing possible scenarios to see how we should act in those cases.