The aftermath of torrential rain and floods in Latin America is the displacement of over 200,000 people

Extensive flooding in at least three Latin American countries is causing the evacuation of many provinces and towns, while meteorologists predict that even though water levels will reduce in the following months, rivers are going to flood back again at the beginning of the actual rainy season, and foresee that evacuees will not be able to safely return to their homes. 

Flooding has particularly hit Paraguay, where according to authorities about 250,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes on Monday. The UN's children's fund (UNICEF), through its regional representative Paulo Sassarao, reported that 40,000 familes were displaced after the heavy rains triggered river floods. The flooding of the Paraguay River,  has hit 9 out of 17 provinces in the country, including the capital of Asuncion, declared in a state of emergency.

Brazil's southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Parana were also affected by the floods, with the local authorities reporting the evacuation of 50,000 people in more than 100 towns of the three provinces and the death of 13 in Parana, where the water of Iguazu river shattered part of its embankment. Also, about 6,000 people's homes were either covered in water or buried under the mud, while the road network has sustained considerable damage. Power and water supply is interrupted in many areas. On June 23, officials estimated the damage caused by the floods to 519million reals (USD 233million). 

Less extensive damage is affecting Argentina, as around 12,000 people are reportedly affected by the foods.