Thousands evacuated in Asuncion as Paraguay river threatens to flood

Authorities in Paraguay say that levels of the Paraguay River in Asunción are moving closer to flood stage. According to the Consejo Municipal de Emergencias y Desastres de Asunción (Comueda), 4,917 families in the low-lying bañados areas of the city have already been evacuated as a precaution.

As of 09 June 2015, the Paraguay River stood at 5.45 metres, while flood stage is considered to be 5.50 metres. However, many of those threatened by the floods wish to remain in or close to their homes. Instead of evacuating to the shelters, many choose to sleep in the city’s public places, such as in plazas or on sidewalks.