Porto Casado, Paraguay, March 2023

At the end of February and beginning of March 2023, I traveled to Asuncion, Paraguay, in response to the severe floods that affected both Paraguay and Brazil. The floods caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands of people and triggering a massive humanitarian crisis. My mission was to visit the hardest-hit areas, support local responders, and help manage the humanitarian efforts on the ground.

The 2023 Floods in Paraguay and Brazil

The 2023 floods were catastrophic, caused by heavy rainfall and rising waters in the Paraguay River and other waterways. The floods affected entire regions in both Paraguay and Brazil, forcing communities to evacuate and leaving many without access to essential services. Areas along the riverbanks were particularly vulnerable, with homes, farms, and infrastructure submerged.

In Paraguay, the floodwaters overwhelmed the Paraguay River, causing displacement in towns like Villa Hayes, Concepcion, and Puerto Casado. The flooding also reached Brazil, where Porto Murtinho faced similar devastation, underscoring the cross-border nature of the disaster. Humanitarian organisations worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, and medical care to those in need, while local authorities focused on evacuating communities and coordinating relief efforts.

Areas Affected by the Floods – My Mission on the Ground

During my time in Paraguay, I visited several towns and villages heavily impacted by the floods:
• Villa Hayes: A town near Asuncion that saw widespread damage as floodwaters inundated homes and businesses. I visited shelters and saw the incredible work being done by local responders.
• Concepcion: A city to the north, where the floods created a serious crisis, displacing families and cutting off access to critical supplies. We worked closely with local officials to coordinate aid and relief efforts.
• Puerto Valle-Mi, San Lazaro, Puerto Casado: These smaller towns in northern Paraguay were hit hard by the floods. In these regions, relief teams worked to distribute essential items and provide medical care to those affected.
• Porto Murtinho (Brazil): We traveled by boat across the Paraguay River to visit the Brazilian side, where communities also faced widespread damage from the rising waters.
• Puerto Carmelo Peralta: A town on the border of Paraguay and Brazil, it was another area where we focused on delivering aid and ensuring people received emergency support.

Santa Rosa del Aguaray – The Mormon Community

On our way back to Asuncion, we passed through the town of Santa Rosa del Aguaray, and I was fascinated to learn about the Mormon community that resides in the region. This town, along with other parts of Paraguay, is home to a significant number of Mormon settlers. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) began its missionary work in Paraguay in the 1950s, and over the decades, the Mormon population in the country has grown, with many establishing communities in rural areas.

In Santa Rosa del Aguaray, the Mormon community has built schools, agricultural cooperatives, and churches, making significant contributions to the local economy and society. Their strong work ethic, emphasis on family values, and commitment to self-reliance have earned them respect within the broader Paraguayan society. The community in Santa Rosa del Aguaray has been actively involved in local development projects and humanitarian work, and it was inspiring to learn about their impact on the region.

Returning to Panama City

After a tiring mission and days spent working alongside local responders and humanitarian organisations, I returned to Panama City. The 2023 floods in Paraguay and Brazil left a deep impression on me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the relief efforts. The resilience and spirit of the people I met in Paraguay were truly inspiring, and the support from organisations and local communities demonstrated the power of collaboration in times of crisis.

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