PARAGUAY: Since December 15, Paraguay has been in a state of emergency due to flooding caused by unusually heavy rainfall for the season. Paraguayan Red Cross Branch Operations Centres estimate that 26,000 families have been affected over 42 zones in different areas of the country. The Paraguayan Red Cross has activated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of their San Pedro branch and is actively participating in the departmental EOC. They have also mobilized a national intervention team of 45 people to the affected areas to deal with issues pertaining to risk management, health, social inclusion, disaster management and livelihoods.
INDIA: A powerful magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocked remote north-eastern regions of India on January 4. The quake, which was also felt in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, killed at least eight people and injured more than 200. Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers in India and Bangladesh, in coordination with public authorities, helped evacuate injured people from damaged buildings and provided first aid. In the aftermath, assessments are being made to ensure the correct assistance is given. The earthquake was felt in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, where two deaths and more than 150 injuries have been reported. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society staff and volunteers provided first aid, assessed damage in branches and stayed in communication with emergency services. At this stage no international assistance has been requested.