The Paraguayan Armed Forces have launched a cleaning and dredging operation in the Tayuazapé stream in San Lorenzo, as part of preventive measures against the flooding expected with the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon. The work, which began last week, involves the Army's Engineering Command and the Logistics Command, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) and the Municipality of San Lorenzo.
The Minister of National Defense, Óscar González, explained that a topographical study was conducted to identify the stream's original bed, which was completely obstructed by sediment after 16 years without maintenance. Using heavy machinery, such as backhoes, the military removed a large amount of debris that was impeding the normal flow of water toward Lake Ypacaraí.
Commander Gustavo Arza of the Logistics Command lamented the amount of household trash found, including tires, appliances, and mattresses. For his part, General Manuel Rodríguez, commander of the Engineering Command, attributed the siltation mainly to deforestation in recent decades, which facilitates the accumulation of soil in the streambed, a problem worsened by the improper disposal of trash by the population.
Authorities are appealing to the public not to discard waste in streams and drainage areas, emphasizing that flood prevention is a shared responsibility. The Armed Forces stated that their human and logistical resources remain organized to provide immediate assistance, including evacuations and the distribution of humanitarian aid, if necessary.