Bolivian President Luis Arce has declared a national emergency following torrential rains and severe flooding that have claimed over 50 lives and displaced more than 100,000 people across the country.
The heavy rains have affected all nine of Bolivia’s departmental regions, with one officially designated as a disaster zone and three others in a state of emergency.
“These natural disasters are forcing us to declare a national emergency,” Arce stated during a press conference, revealing that more than 370,000 families have been impacted. Bolivia, which experiences its rainy season from November to March, has seen unusually prolonged and intense rainfall this year.
Lucia Walper, a representative from Bolivia’s meteorological service, Senamhi, noted that the issuance of orange and red alerts for river overflows—typically expected in February—has been extended into April. As a result, the government has mobilised thousands of soldiers to distribute aid to affected areas.
To bolster relief efforts, Bolivia’s Congress is expected to approve a $75 million loan from the CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to address the ongoing crisis. The state of emergency will also enable the government to expedite the procurement of essential supplies and allocate additional resources to affected communities.
With continued heavy rains posing further risks, authorities remain on high alert, urging residents in vulnerable areas to take necessary precautions.
Melissa Enoch
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