URUGUAY SUFFERING FROM DROUGHT, FIRES

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000685

SIPDIS

WHA FOR BSC
SAN JOSE FOR USAID/OFDA TIM CALLAGHAN AND PHIL GELMAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SENV EAID EAGR ECON SOCI UY
SUBJECT: URUGUAY SUFFERING FROM DROUGHT, FIRES


1. (U) This telegram is sensitive but unclassified, and not
for Internet distribution

Summary
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2. (U) Uruguay is currently experiencing a severe drought
that is affecting its dairy and beef industries and causing
forest fires and human suffering in certain areas due to
unavailability of potable water. Recent rains have
alleviated the situation somewhat, and the GOU has made a
bulk purchase of water storage tanks for the most affected
areas. Still, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidency and
emergency management coordinator Jorge Vazquez requested help
from the U.S. November 28 to fight the fires in the northern
part of the country. Specifically, Vazquez asked for several
"Bambi Buckets," which are used by helicopters to drop water
onto flames, and the Embassy and U.S. Southern Command are
responding to that request. End Summary.

Primarily Economic Effects Thus Far
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3. (U) The drought is causing economic hardship as it affects
Uruguay,s most important export sector, agriculture.
Hundreds of head of cattle have died as some pastureland is
unable to grow enough feed. Additionally, future harvests of
soybeans, corn, and sunflowers will be affected as young
plants are unable to take root in dry soil. Critics blame
the government for not taking measures to mitigate the
drought, which, combined with lower prices and lower demand
for agricultural commodities, has dealt a devastating blow to
the industry. The GOU, however, has announced a plan to
alleviate some of the effects of the drought, including rapid
implementation of loans and assistance in providing fodder to
local producers in danger of losing their farms as a result
of the crisis. In any event, the decreased planting and a
lower yield of calves will likely lead to future economic
hardship for Uruguay's producers.

Forest Fires and Human Suffering
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4. (SBU) Recent rains have reduced the extent of the flames,
but forest fires continue around the country. The GOU,s
National Emergency System (SNE) has reacted quickly to the
threat and has deployed fire fighters as necessary. The GOU
has also purchased significant numbers of 500 liter water
storage tanks for the areas most affected by lack of potable
water. However, the GOU lacks the equipment necessary to
mount a fully effective response, according to Prosecretary
Jorge Vazquez, who oversees the SNE. Specifically, Vazquez
stressed Uruguay's urgent need for four Bambi Buckets
(mechanisms used to dump water from helicopters). Vazquez
said Uruguay has seven UH1-H helicopters that are suitable
for firefighting, but only three Bambi Buckets.

The USG Response
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5. (SBU) USAID/OFDA dispatched Buenos Aires-based officials
to conduct a needs assessment on December 4-6. The Embassy's
ODC office responded expeditiously to locate funds and begin
the purchase of four buckets, each with a 1,000 liter
capacity, at a total cost of USD 65,000. Funding has arrived
from Southcom's Humanitarian Assistance Program, and delivery
is expected by December 19. USAID/OFDA regional advisors
remain in close contact with both federal and departmental
officials with responsibilities related to disaster relief.
The SNE has promised to forward to OFDA and the Embassy a
list of equipment priorities (e.g. protective clothing for
volunteer or non-professional firefighters enlisted to fight
wildfires). We are expecting that list shortly, and will
follow up with OFDA. At this time, the GOU is not issuing a
disaster declaration or requesting broad international relief
assistance.

Comment
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6. (SBU) Possibly as a result of climate change, droughts
have become common in Uruguay over the past 10 years, and the
GOU appears to understand the need for investment in
infrastructure to anticipate future occurrences. In the
interim, the GOU greatly appreciates our assistance, and we
will continue to monitor the situation and work with OFDA,
Southcom and the GOU to ensure that Uruguay's humanitarian
needs are being met. We will also ensure that ordinary
Uruguayans learn that the U.S. is stepping up to help. End
Comment.
Baxter