Paraguay: Flooding kills at least one near Asunción /update 2

Event

On Tuesday, January 30, officials confirmed at least one person has been killed by the ongoing flooding in Asunción and the surrounding area. Rescue officials said that two women were traveling in a vehicle in Ñemby (located approximately 20 km [12.5 mi] south of Asunción) on Sunday, January 28, when the car was swept off the road by flood waters. One of the women was found dead in a nearby ravine; rescue crews are still searching for the second victim as of January 30. Further rain is forecast for Wednesday, January 31, but the chance of rain is low after Wednesday and conditions are expected to improve.

Context

The current flooding has forced at least 25,000 people from their homes along the Paraguay river and its tributaries. Water levels reportedly rose to 5.84 m (over 19 ft). The municipal government declared a state of emergency on January 22 in Asunción. The most affected areas have been the neighborhoods of Bañado Norte, Bañado Sur, and La Chacarita. Other areas impacted by the flooding include Vía Férrea, Banco San Miguel, Cerro Guy, Arenera, and Sector Varadero.

Flooding is common in the capital and is often accompanied by protests due to the lack of assistance available to affected residents, notably a lack of emergency shelters. The presence of flood water and a subsequent lack of clean drinking water increases the risk of respiratory and water-borne diseases.

Advice

Individuals present in Asunción are advised to follow any instructions issued by local authorities, particularly potential evacuation orders, keep abreast of weather forecasts, and avoid any protests. Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.