Paraguay communities cut off by flooded rivers in Amambay Department

The Aquidabán River in Amambay Department, Paraguay, overflowed on February 16, 2023, leading to extensive flooding that has caused damage to roads and bridges, affected 700 indigenous families, and displaced many residents. The flooding has caused significant material damage, with many residents losing all their belongings, and has left multiple communities isolated due to the destruction of numerous bridges and roads.

Paraguay’s National Emergency Secretariat (SEN) is working to deliver humanitarian aid and carry out rescue and relief operations using helicopters, trucks and boats. According to SEN, several people had to be rescued by helicopter, and many communities have been left stranded.

The affected communities are in urgent need of support to rebuild their homes and infrastructure and to ensure the health and safety of all residents in the affected areas.

Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Works and Communications has reported that multiple bridges and roads have been damaged or destroyed, leaving many communities cut off from essential services. SEN is working to deliver supplies such as mattresses and food to those affected by the flooding, using all available means of transportation.

The affected communities are primarily indigenous families, who face unique challenges in the aftermath of the flooding.

References:

¹ Paraguay – Hundreds of Families Affected by Floods in Amambay – FloodList – February 20, 2023

Featured image credit: SEN Parguay