Bolivia: Orange alert declared for dam overflow due to heavy rains in La Paz

Published at: 18/02/2026 10:29 PM

Authorities in La Paz, Bolivia, declared an orange alert to the overflow of two dams that reached 100% of their capacity due to heavy rains, a situation that increased the flow of the Choqueyapu River and activated monitoring and prevention protocols in the city, the Telesur website reported.

The director of municipal governance, Gonzalo Barrientos, reported that the month of February and part of March correspond to the high rainfall season, which increases the risk of floods.

In the context of the current situation, the official stressed that the overflow of dams increases pressure on the urban hydraulic system.

Barrientos explained that, due to current weather conditions, the risk of flooding in the town could increase, so various safety measures have been implemented.

The protocol measures include constant inspections of technical personnel from the Mayor's Office and the Public Social Water and Sanitation Company (EPSAS) in the dam system.

He also explained that one of the dams that has already reached its limit is that of Pampalarama, and another corresponds to the Choqueyapu river basin. The overflow of these dams increases the volume of water that descends, which increases pressure on the urban hydraulic system.

Authorities reported that the rest of the dams in the system are between 80% and 85% of their total capacity, and could reach their maximum before the end of the rainy season.

This situation raises concern about the adverse effects that prolonged rainfall can have on the safety of the population and infrastructure.

The authorities recommended that the population avoid approaching the banks of the river and keep informed through official channels. This background highlights the need for the current orange alert and the importance of the preventive measures implemented to safeguard the lives of Bolivians.

Mazo News Team