Salto, Uruguay prepares for potential 'historic flood' this spring

Salto, Uruguay, is bracing for a potentially severe climatic adversity this spring, with local authorities warning of an 80% probability of intense weather events between October and December. The head of Salto's administration, Carlos Albisu, announced that technical reports indicate a significant risk of flooding along the Uruguay River.

These projections suggest the river's water level could surpass the historic post-dam peak of 16.33 meters, recorded in December 2015. The usual average level in this area is around three meters. Albisu stated that the objective is not to instill fear but to proactively prepare the department for such a scenario, emphasizing the critical need for preparedness. "We cannot afford to fail here," he asserted.

The 2015 flood was the most severe Salto had experienced since 1959, forcing over 6,500 people to evacuate. While authorities hope the current forecasts will not reach that magnitude, they deem it irresponsible not to prepare for the most complex outcome. There is also a projected 95% probability of another, possibly less intense, flood phase between March and May 2027.

Beyond the river's rise, heavy rainfall could also lead to isolated communities in the interior of the department and flooding in various city neighborhoods. The local Emergency Operations Committee (CECOED) is actively working on preparing shelters, food supplies, medications, healthcare, and logistics. Plans are also being considered to use drones for delivering medicine to remote areas and to have a helicopter available for medical emergencies in the northern part of the country. August is set as the target month for finalizing shelter arrangements.