In early November, the second largest city in Paraguay, Ciudad del Este, experienced relentless downpours. They caused the Parana River to surge, transforming nearby low-lying areas into lakes. Upon receiving this distressing news, Tzu Chi volunteers swiftly started disaster assessments and the distribution of essential supplies, including food and daily necessities. They aimed to meet the immediate needs of the affected residents.
The once bustling streets were submerged by turbulent, muddy waters. This posed significant challenges for volunteers conducting on-site assessments. In the Saint Raphael district, travelling on foot became nearly impossible, compelling volunteers to rely on makeshift canoes paddled by residents to gain firsthand insights into the extent of the disaster.
Countless homes were submerged, forcing residents to temporarily relocate to higher ground. But the hastily erected tents in the relocation sites provided little defense against the relentless rainfall.
After surveying the situation and understanding the needs of the flood-affected families, in less than two days, Tzu Chi volunteers promptly started distribution of emergency aid. Residents in the makeshift tent communities received enough food and essential supplies to sustain them for a month during these challenging times.
Representing the affected residents, a priest from the Saint Augustine Parish expressed gratitude to Tzu Chi for their timely assistance. He said: "May God bless all the volunteers who have come to help, and may the affected residents swiftly overcome their hardships."
In the "October 23 Community," volunteers distributed food and Tzu Chi’s eco-friendly blankets, which are made from recycled PET bottles. For those unable to reach the distribution sites, volunteers personally visited them, offering not just supplies but also heartfelt blessings.
Reported by Cai Ciqi, Cai Qifang | Paraguay