Uruguay's President surveys storm-hit regions after fatal weather event

Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi toured the department of Salto on Monday, assessing the damage caused by a severe weekend storm. The temporal, which impacted 14 departments across the country, left one person dead and caused widespread destruction, including power outages, fallen trees, and collapsed roofs.

Orsi expressed his shock at the storm's consequences, noting it was a "miracle" that the single fatality was the only one. He had previously lamented the death of a woman in Salto on social media and confirmed that the National Emergency System (Sinae) was mobilizing resources to support local governments, particularly in Salto.

The deceased was identified as an elderly woman who was riding a motorcycle when high winds dislodged metal sheeting, causing a fatal head injury. The storm, characterized by heavy rain, hail, lightning, and strong winds reaching 129.5 km/h in Salto, also caused over 37,800 electricity supply interruptions.

President Orsi indicated that the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries would soon decide whether to declare a state of emergency for the affected agricultural sector. The Sinae's initial assessment highlighted Salto as the most severely impacted region.