Asunción, June 4 (NNN-RHC) -- Floods caused by torrential rains have forced the evacuation of 75,000 families living in low-lying areas near the Paraguay River.

Paraguay weather service director, Francisco Rivarola, says heavy rains started in February, with 8.7 inches (221 millimeters) falling on the capital of Asuncion in just one day.

Paraguay's National Emergency Secretariat said Tuesday that the 75,000 flood-hit families are located in areas of Asuncion and small towns along the river.

The health and public works ministries have been rushing to help unblock flooded roads and vaccinate children and senior citizens, who are most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.