A USAID/OFDA disaster risk management specialist distributes relief supplies to flood-affected communities in Misiones Department, Paraguay.

Pilar Sanz, ADRA Paraguay

Key Developments

Widespread flooding resulting from heavy rains that began in late November 2015 had displaced more than 130,000 people in Paraguay by late December 2015, according to the UN. International media reported that the floods also resulted in at least six deaths and damaged houses, schools, roads, other infrastructure, and agricultural land. On December 12, 2015, the Government of Paraguay National Emergency Secretariat (SEN) declared a state of emergency in the capital city of Asunción, as well as in Amambay, Central, Concepción, Misiones, Ñeembucú, Presidente Hayes, and San Pedro departments. SEN facilitated evacuations of flood-affected populations, conducted needs assessments, and coordinated with humanitarian actors to respond to the emergency. As of January 2016, more than 65,000 people remained displaced in Paraguay, of which approximately 41,000 were residing in temporary shelters in Asunción.

On December 30, 2015, U.S. Ambassador Leslie A. Bassett declared a disaster due to the effects of the floods in Paraguay. In response, USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) provided an initial $50,000 to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) for the local procurement and distribution of emergency relief commodities—such as hygiene kits, mattresses, and shelter supplies—to flood-affected populations. USAID/OFDA also activated local surge capacity consultants to meet with government agencies and partner organizations, assess flood-affected areas, and support coordination of response activities. Subsequently, USAID/OFDA provided ADRA with an additional $600,000 to expand the number of households receiving emergency relief commodities and imlement water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in flood-affected areas. 

Background

Paraguay is prone to a variety of natural hazards, particularly seasonal floods and droughts. When these disasters require an international response, USAID/OFDA works with non-governmental organizations to address humanitarian needs and complement government relief efforts. Since 2004, USAID/OFDA has responded to nine disasters in Paraguay, including droughts, floods, forest fires, and a yellow fever outbreak. USAID/OFDA also supports ongoing disaster risk reduction activities and capacity-building initiatives for disaster response across the larger South America region.