Paraguay storm causes widespread damage and power outages

A severe storm characterized by intense winds and heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage across several departments in Paraguay, most notably Caaguazú, San Pedro, Caazapá, and Cordillera.

The National Emergency Secretariat (SEN) reports that approximately 500 families have been affected, though officials estimate the number could rise to 4,000. The storm, which lasted roughly 40 minutes on average, caused significant structural damage to homes and agricultural facilities. In Caaguazú, a poultry shed in Colonia Bergthal was destroyed, resulting in the near-total loss of 50,000 chicks.

The storm also triggered massive power outages. The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) reported service interruptions in Asunción and several cities in the Central department, including Capiatá, San Lorenzo, and Luque. ANDE attributed the outages to trees falling on power lines, loose conductors, and damaged distribution structures. As of the latest reports, ANDE had restored 19 of the 23 affected 23,000-volt lines in the metropolitan area.

The SEN is currently coordinating with local municipalities and governorships to distribute food kits and provide emergency assistance to the most impacted families.