Ayolas coordinates actions for potential El Niño-induced floods
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) in Ayolas, Paraguay, has activated inter-institutional coordination to prepare for potential floods caused by El Niño.
- The meeting involved various local and national entities to assess resources, define contributions, and plan a coordinated response.
- Ayolas experienced significant flooding in October and November 2023 due to the Paraná River's rise, affecting hundreds of families and leading to a red alert and evacuations.
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) in Ayolas, Paraguay, has initiated inter-institutional coordination to prepare for potential floods and other contingencies associated with the El Niño phenomenon. A meeting held at the Municipal Intendancy brought together representatives from the district COE, the Misiones Governorate, the Ministry of Education and Science, ANDE (National Electricity Directorate), the Naval Prefecture, the Yacyretá Binational Entity, the Paraguayan Red Cross, the Municipal Board, the National Police, and the Integrated Hospital of Ayolas.
The primary objective of the meeting was to inventory available resources, determine each institution's contribution, and establish a plan for a swift and efficient coordinated response. During the session, potential temporary shelters were identified, including the municipal sports center, the Colorado party headquarters, the Municipal Board, and a property in the Atinguy area. The available means for response were also quantified and organized, encompassing electrical installations, transportation, vehicles, boats, and machinery for channeling and cleaning.
Furthermore, suitable areas for sheltering livestock and small animals were considered, alongside plans for medical assistance, food supply, communications, security, and logistics. This proactive measure follows the significant flooding Ayolas experienced in October and November 2023, when the Paraná River's level rose to 5.97 meters, exceeding the flood level of 4.50 meters. That event affected 573 families, submerging neighborhoods, public institutions, and the municipal stadium, leading to a red alert and the evacuation of several areas.
The main objective of the meeting was to inventory resources, define contributions, and plan a coordinated, rapid, and efficient response to any eventuality.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.