Floods in Uruguay leave 800 homeless

MONTEVIDEO, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Floods in southern and western Uruguay have left at least 800 people homeless, following last week's unusually strong rains which dumped rainfall up to 500 mm in total, the authorities said on Sunday.

The worst affected provinces were Durazno, Soriano, Florida, Rio Negro and Colonia.

About 300 residents in central Uruguayan city of Durazno abandoned their homes when the River Yi rose nine meters above its normal level. They are now staying in sports and social clubs.

In Mercedes, capital of Soriano province, 120 people were evacuated when the Rio Negro, which divides Uruguay in two, broke its banks.

Mayor Guillermo Bessozzi said his own house was waterlogged and that he had transferred important belongings upstairs.

The capital Montevideo was also affected. A dozen of people were evacuated, but forecasts said they will return to homes on Sunday, once the river returns to normal.

The National Meteorological Directorate has forecast scant rains in the flood-hit areas, which the headstreams of rivers are located.

The National Emergency System on Friday called on all the emergency committees to take actions to coordinate public and civilian groups.

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