Arroyo Lambaré families demand emergency declaration amid El Niño threat and erosion danger

Dozens of families living near Arroyo Lambaré in Paraguay face imminent danger as heavy rains and the anticipated El Niño phenomenon exacerbate erosion along the stream's banks. Around 50 homes are currently at risk, with the encroaching waters threatening to undermine foundations and potentially sweep away residences.

Residents have repeatedly appealed to the Lambaré municipality for action, but they report that their concerns are being ignored. Celia Genes, a local community leader, stated that the erosion has already begun to damage the structures of nearby homes. Although a retaining wall was built on one side of the stream in 2023 after a tragic incident where two soldiers were swept away, the side where these residents live remains unprotected.

The situation has led to a bureaucratic stalemate. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has indicated that a technical plan for a permanent retaining wall exists but stated that the Lambaré municipality must first declare an environmental and infrastructure emergency to authorize the work. Residents are frustrated by the lack of decisive action, describing makeshift repairs as insufficient against the powerful currents. They are demanding a robust engineering solution to address the problem permanently, fearing a repeat of past tragedies and criticizing politicians for only visiting the area during election campaigns with unfulfilled promises.