At least 16 killed as severe floods hit Paraguay

Heavy rainfall has been affecting northern, central-eastern and south-eastern Paraguay since the beginning of April, triggering floods that resulted in casualties and widespread damage.

The most affected are Presidente Hayes, Central, San Pedro, Concepción, Cordillera, Capital (Asunción), Ñeembucú, Boquerón and Alto Paraguay departments, DG ECHO reports.

As of May 20, the death toll stands at 16. Six people have died in Presidente Hayes, 5 in Asunción, 3 in Ñeembucú, 1 in Concepción and 1 in Alto Paraguay.

More than 19 500 families evacuated throughout the affected departments. In particular, 12 583 families were reported displaced in the Asunción area, of which 11 005 are hosted in 118 shelters. The same sources report at least 62 119 families affected across the country.

The rising water level has cut off communities of Presidente Hayes and Alto Paraguay and medical aid have been sent to attend any situation and prevent citizens for more human loss.

According to the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology May 19, 2019 report, the Paraguay river level is currently in a critic state; with 7.25 m (23.7 feet) in Asuncion, 6.87 m (22.5 feet) in Rosario and 8.48 m (27.8 feet) in Pilar. 

Featured image credit: CGTN