Paraguay: 40 thousand people evacuated due to river flood

Problem caused by ‘El Ninio’

Nearly 40 thousand people are estimated to have abandoned their homes in Paraguay at the end last week due to the overflowing of a river near the largest city in Paraguay, Asuncion, according to local authorities. According to Paraguay’s national emergency services 7,800 families living at lower level altitudes were displaced. The overflowing of the river ‘Rio Paraguay’ was caused by ‘El Ninio’ weather phenomenon, according to the country’s meteorological services. The river levels reached 6.11 meters from 5.5, while authorities fear it will rise even more. A local district where 10 thousand faithful had gathered to welcome Pope Francis was inundated with water on July 12.