A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
A typical flash flooding has been reported in the northern department of San Pedro in Paraguay. Alongside the unusual precipitation (heavy rain storms and hail), these flash floods have led to the overflowing of the Jejuí, Paraguay, Aguaray-mi, Aguaray-Guazú Rivers in the San Pedro department. Due to the scope, the level of damage and the worsening situation, the Paraguayan Senate approved the declaration of a State of Emergency in seven affected departments on 15 December 2015, which included San Pedro.
The emergency operations centre (EOC) in the San Pedro department on 21 December 2015 reported that 19,750 people (3,950 families) in the department have been affected. To date, 2,845 people are in collective centres and 2,600 people are located in areas blocked due to the flooding. Between 23 November and 14 December 2015, approximately 350.2mm of rain has fallen. The National Hydrology and Meteorology Directorate (DINAC) has forecasted an increase in rainfall and related damages, especially given the continued presence of the El Niño phenomenon.