Paraguay: Flooding along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers

Event

Heavy rainfall ongoing since May 20 has led to flooding along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers. Hundreds of homes along the Paraguay River in the capital Asunción have been flooded and the river is not expected to reach peak levels until June or July.

More severe flooding is expected in the south of the country along the Paraná River - e.g. in the departments of Misiones and Ñeembucú - in the coming hours and days.

Context

Flooding is common in the country, especially along the Paraguay River and in the capital region, in large part due to inefficient drainage systems. Flooding in Asunción in late 2015/early 2016 forced some 100,000 people to flee their homes.

Advice

Individuals present in affected regions are advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities, particularly potential evacuation orders, and to keep abreast of weather forecasts. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock an adult over.