Uruguay issues red alert for coastal areas ahead of severe weather, El Niño preparations

Uruguay has issued a red alert for a specific coastal region, restricting movement as authorities brace for severe weather and the anticipated El Niño phenomenon. The alert, in effect from Thursday evening to Friday morning, covers a stretch of coastline between Arroyo Pando and Aguas Dulces.

President Yamandú Orsi declared the red alert, activating the National Emergency System (Sinae). The measure targets areas including Estación Atlántida, Estación La Floresta, and Maldonado, among others. This declaration signifies a significant mobilization of state resources to manage the immediate threat.

Presidential Secretary Alejandro Sánchez highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the current weather event is expected to hit the eastern coastal zone particularly hard. He also announced that a National Emergency Board meeting would convene to prepare for the El Niño phenomenon, which studies suggest will be quite strong and bring substantial rainfall. "We are facing an important meteorological event," Sánchez stated, emphasizing the need for extreme caution and preventative measures.