Days of heavy rains brought on by El Nino have caused three major rivers to swell, and authorities have reported at least six weather-related deaths, the Hindu reported.

A state of emergency is in force in Paraguay, the worst hit nation, where 130,000 people have fled their homes.  President Horacio Cartes has said $3.5m (£2.3m) would be immediately available in relief funds for the victims of the flooding.The Paraguay river in the capital Asuncion, is only 30cm (12in) away from overtopping its banks. Officials warn this could lead to widespread flooding in the area.

And it could also affect thousands of other people who live by the Paraguay - the country's main river - the authorities said.

In northern Argentina, some 20,000 people have left their homes.

Dry weather is forecast for the Brazil-Uruguay border region in the next few days, but in Paraguay and Argentina water levels are still expected to rise.