Torrential rains and flooding in May have affected several provinces, particularly in the southern parts of the country. This follows the flooding in late December when the country declared a state of emergency and launched an appeal for international assistance. About 105 000 people have now been affected by the floods in the provinces of Neembuco, Presidente Hayes, Boquerón, Alto Paraguay and around the capital. Some areas have remained isolated from the rest of the country. Damage has been incurred to the agricultural sector, particularly the peanut, cotton and sorghum crops. Output of 1998 maize crop, currently being harvested, is expected to decline from last year’s record but would still remain above the average of the last five years. A new state of emergency has been declared and assistance is being received from the international community.