Bolivia under emergency due to heavy rains in almost the entire country

Published at: 06/01/2025 09:51 PM

The Deputy Minister of Civil Defense of Bolivia, Juan Carlos Calvimontes, assured this Monday, January 6, that heavy rains are affecting eight of the country's nine departments, raising fears of possible river overflows in 285 municipalities, the Telesur website reported.

Calvimontes stressed that “we are constantly updating information, with eight departments already impacted by the rains.”

The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (SENAMHI) of Bolivia has issued two alerts: the first, of a hydrological type, which is effective from January 03 to 13, predicting an increase in water levels in all departments of the country.

Meanwhile, the country's own government stressed that climate change could “cause an increase in rainfall during the months of February and March”, while maintaining the Orange Alert in Tarija, Beni, Potosí, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca and La Paz.

Since November, Bolivia has been experiencing the rainy season, and the first rains caused landslides in the area of Bajo Llojeta, in La Paz, on November 25.

The incident buried numerous homes, affecting nearly 40 families and causing the death of a minor.

The Deputy Minister also warned of a second weather alert that anticipates thunderstorms and medium to high intensity rains across the country. “Heavy rainfall is expected throughout the country this week,” he added.

To date, 14 fatalities have been reported as a result of rain and flooding. In 2023, Bolivia recorded 27 deaths, one missing person and 10,662 families affected by natural disasters.

Mazo News Team