Uruguay Floods Endanger 24,000 Lives; Bacteria & Other Factors can put Health at Risk

On Saturday, the National Emergency System or Sinae reported that the number of displaced persons in Uruguay following the flood that struck four provinces has risen to 23, 571. About 24,000 people have to leave their homes. Previous reports stated that 2,322 were evacuated and 21,249 abandoned their homes by their own means.

Per Fox News, of the 23,571 displaced persons, 11,002 are in Artigas province, 6,708 in Paysandu, 57 in Rio Negro province and 5,804 in Salto. The heavy downpours since December caused the Uruguay River to overflow and its tributaries, such as Cuareim, which is close to the city of Artigas. The incident forced the authorities to declare a state of emergency last month in the province of Artigas, Paysandu, Rivera and Salto, teleSUR  reported.

In the Bella Union, the Uruguay River level is two meters above the freeboard, which is 6.5 meters. Currently, it is at 8.7 meters. While in Paysandu, the river flows at 9.1 meters when it normally flows at around 5.5 meters.

Evacuees are stationed in numerous campsites where the army supports and provides for them.

Sinae announced that once the river levels are back to normal residents can return to their home without risk after cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas have been carried out. However, they warned, "the excessive demands on the healthcare system and the presence of bacteria are other factors that put the health of the population at risk."

Irish Times reported that flooding might pose a variety of health risks from minor to life threatening and immediate to long-term. These health risks are more widespread and serious in developing countries where flooding can rise to epidemics as well as promoting vector-borne diseases such as malaria.

The level of bacteria and other toxins is likely due to low dilution but it still poses a risk to one's health and safety. In fact, HSE is advising people to avoid floodwaters if possible. When it is absolutely necessary to enter a contaminated area, people are advised to wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and waterproof clothes.

The floods have been attributed by climate experts to El Niño weather phenomenon, which has flooded several other South American countries including Paraguay and Brazil. However, according to Hindustantimes, the El Niño phenomenon is not yet done and may cause more damage in the coming months.

"There is a greater than 90% chance that El Niño will continue through Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-16, and around an 85% chance it will last till early spring 2016," a Climate Prediction Centre bulletin released in September said.