Storm devastates Salto, Uruguay; one dead and widespread damage reported

The department of Salto bore the brunt of a powerful storm that struck Uruguay on Saturday, July 18, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming one life. The National Directorate of Firefighters reported that Salto was the most heavily impacted region by the intense winds and heavy rains.

Emergency services were mobilized early Saturday morning, with the Salto detachment initiating a major operation. Due to a high volume of simultaneous calls, four operational units were deployed to address the widespread damage. The storm caused numerous incidents across the country, primarily involving fallen trees, damaged roofs, and hazardous electrical infrastructure.

By 10:00 AM in Salto, firefighters had responded to 49 separate incidents. These included eight cases of damaged roofs, eleven instances of fallen trees, sixteen risk assessments, six interventions related to dangerous power poles and wiring, one rescue operation, and seven other weather-related emergencies. Tragically, one person lost their life as a result of the severe weather.

Firefighting units continue to work throughout the country to manage the aftermath of the meteorological event, prioritizing the removal of hazards, securing compromised structures, and assisting affected residents. The National Directorate of Firefighters is urging the public to exercise extreme caution during such phenomena, advising against travel in areas with potential falling trees or debris and encouraging immediate reporting of any emergencies via the 911 service. The storm also led to the suspension of a presidential ceremony commemorating July 18 due to weather alerts.