Paraguay floods force 200,000 to flee

Many have been forced to live in tents in makeshift settlements as flooding has forced them to leave their homes

(Getty Images)

Flooding in Paraguay has forced 200,000 people to flee their homes after torrential rain hit the country.

Many of those affected have been left sleeping in tents as they move away from the Paraguay River, where much of the worst flooding has come from.

The rains have destroyed crops, flooded homes and blocked roads, said officials. Officials from the UN and Red Cross have been assisting with evaluating the situation and local officials hope for international aid soon.

The government is reported to have spent more than $3 million on assisting affected families.

A number of people have already died from the floods, which have been displacing families since early June.