Uruguay flooding displaces nearly 3,500 people

June 6 (UPI) -- Uruguay's National Emergency System, or SINAE, said nearly 3,500 people are displaced after heavy rains caused flooding in the northern part of the country.

SINAE on Monday said 1,957 people have been displaced in the Salto Department, 1,235 are displaced in Paysandú and 227 are displaced in the city of Bella Unión, in Artigas -- all are in the northwest part of the country.

SINAE said authorities will travel to the affected zones in Salto to assess damages on Tuesday and will go to Paysandú on Wednesday. The northern parts of Uruguay have been under a heavy rain warning since May 24.

Uruguayan authorities expect rains to continue and waters to rise through Thursday.

"With the possibility that it is necessary to evacuate more people SINAE has the resources and protocols to ensure an effective response," SINAE said in a statement. "The displaced people are receiving comprehensive care: shelter, protection, food, recreation and health."