Seven homeless die as Uruguay faces unprecedented cold snap

In Uruguay, a rare cold snap unfolded during June 2024, leading to severe weather conditions not experienced in recent years. This unusual weather event was triggered by a gust of frigid air emanating from Antarctica, which swept across the coastal nation known for its typically mild winters. The country, home to approximately 3.4 million residents, confronted temperatures plummeting to minus 3 degrees Celsius and wind chill readings significantly lower. Weather reports indicated that light snow dusted various regions of Uruguay for the first time in four years, amplifying the impact of this sudden winter assault. As temperatures sharply dropped, the marginalized homeless population became increasingly vulnerable. Health officials issued urgent warnings regarding the heightened risks of frostbite and hypothermia, specifically targeting individuals living on the streets. Outreach workers made extensive efforts to persuade homeless people to seek refuge indoors amid the hazardous conditions. Tragically, seven homeless individuals died from exposure to the cold; their bodies were discovered in diverse locations, including under bridges, inside a bus station, and within makeshift tents next to the river. These deaths underscored the severe dangers posed by the cold snap, particularly for those without stable housing. In response to this alarming crisis, President Yamandú Orsi activated emergency executive powers in order to efficiently address the unprecedented threat to homeless individuals. This measure enabled law enforcement and city officials to forcibly remove people from the streets to safeguard them from the life-threatening elements. With an eye on protecting affected citizens, authorities mobilized to establish thirty-two warming centers, three additional emergency shelters, and prepared over 1,000 beds to accommodate those in need. Notably, emergency centers also permitted occupants to keep their pets and belongings while remaining open throughout the day, offering a welcoming atmosphere for those impacted by the rarely frigid weather. Despite the immediate measures taken to shelter the vulnerable population, concerns lingered about what would happen once the cold spell passed and the emergency facilities closed their doors. Many individuals expressed apprehension about their future outside of the shelters. As the freezing temperatures were expected to ease, the response from the government highlighted ongoing struggles faced by homeless individuals and the pressing need for a more comprehensive approach to long-term assistance and housing solutions. This intense cold snap in Uruguay serves as a potent reminder of the harsh realities that marginalized populations endure, especially during extreme weather events.