Uruguay began mandatory evacuation of people living on the streets in the face of a cold wave

Published at: 01/07/2025 10:42 PM

The Government of Uruguay declared a red alert that includes mandatory evacuation for animals and people in street situations due to an intense polar cold wave that is affecting the country these days.

The measure seeks to safeguard the lives of the populations most vulnerable to low temperatures, the Telesur website reported.

The Minister of Social Development, Gonzalo Civila, explained that the mandatory evacuation tool was activated due to the “dimension of the situation and this phase of extreme cold”, announced by the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (INUMET).

For his part, the Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro Sánchez, emphasized that “it is not a right to be on the street, much less to die of cold in the street.”

Previously, six people who lived outside died, although it is not yet confirmed that the cause was hypothermia.

INUMET issued a warning stating that extreme minimum temperatures will range between -4°C and -1°C, and highs between 10°C and 13°C, due to the eruption of a polar air mass. Along the same lines, the cold wave will persist until this Wednesday, July 2nd.

In response to the declaration of a red level public alert by the Government presided over by Yamandú Orsi, a coordinated contingency plan was activated between the Ministries of the Interior, Defense, Public Health, Social Development and State Health Services (ASSE).

The plan includes the expansion of places in existing shelters, the creation of new reception centers and the extension of opening hours.

In addition, direct assistance actions were implemented for homeless people in Montevideo (capital) and other cities.

The National Emergency System (SINAE) reported a significant increase in the demand for assistance.

During the night of last Sunday, June 29, 2,772 people were treated, of whom 2,178 went to shelters managed by the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) and 594 were housed in evacuation centers.