Over 10,000 Families Affected by Heavy Rains in Paraguay

More than 10,000 families have been affected by strong storms and heavy rains this week according to Paraguay's National Emergency Office, or SEN.

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The SEN chief Joaquim Roa said the numbers could continue to rise in the following days.

About 180 schools have also been hit, with damage recorded in 223 classrooms - many rooves and walls have also fallen down.

In May 2016, students held a month-long strike in around one hundred high schools - one of their demands was for improved infrastructure.

According to a study released in August 2016, only 19 percent of schools across the country met the requirements to be classed “in good condition.”

Paraguay invests 3.5 percent of its GDP in education, well below the minimum 7 percent advocated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Tropical Storm Nate made its way up through Central America on Thursday and Friday, causing destruction and leaving fatalities in several countries.

8,000 families' homes in Paraguay were severely damaged, especially by the strong winds.

On Friday, the departments of San Pedro, Caaguazu, Alto Paraná and Cordillera were affected by heavy rains along with electric lighting and hailstorms. One woman was electrocuted when a cable fell down and another man died when he was crushed by the wall of his house.

On Sunday, two other victims were registered in the provinces of Cordillera and Caaguazu because of winds reaching up to 137 kilometers per hour.

The SEN has dispatched assistance in coordination with local authorities, including tents and food.

The bad weather is especially affecting the country's small campesinos, as Paraguay has one of the biggest campesino populations in South America - about 35 percent of the country's population works on the land and it has one of the most unequal rates of land distribution.

After months of strikes in the capital Asuncion, where campesinos from across the country set up a camp, the government agreed on Wednesday to implement the emergency bill for family agriculture, which will essentially support victims of natural disasters such as last July's heavy rains.

About 100,000 victims of the weather could now benefit from governmental support.

Food packages of about 40 kilograms will be delivered to the small rural producers from October 16.

Campesinos will be also allowed to access other loans with a 10 percent interest year on a period of seven years, depending on natural disasters.