Bolivia Flooding: Death Toll Increases to 30
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Synopsis
As of February 20, Bolivia faces a dire situation with the death toll from severe flooding rising to 30. Over 126,000 families are affected, with five individuals still missing. The government is declaring states of emergency as the situation worsens.
Key Takeaways
- 30 fatalities confirmed due to flooding.
- Over 126,000 families impacted.
- 27 municipalities declared a state of emergency.
- High-risk weather conditions expected to persist.
- Efforts underway for national resource mobilization.
La Paz, Feb 20 (NationPress) The death toll from intense rainfall and flooding in Bolivia has increased to 30, with five individuals still unaccounted for and over 126,000 families impacted, according to Deputy Civil Defence Minister Juan Carlos Calvimontes.
In just the past week, floods and landslides have affected more than 10,000 families and resulted in two additional fatalities, bringing the total count from 28 to 30. The number of families affected rose from 116,207 to 126,236, which includes 91,422 households impacted and 34,814 categorized as disaster victims, Calvimontes stated during a press briefing.
Since November 2024, flooding has damaged 1,004 homes, with 350 completely destroyed, as conditions continue to deteriorate, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The rains have impacted eight of the nine departments in the country.
The flooding crisis has affected 83 municipalities, and many of them are anticipated to declare a disaster within a week, the official mentioned at the press conference.
Currently, 27 municipalities have declared a state of emergency, with 22 located in La Paz, the department most severely affected by the climatic conditions.
The casualties were reported in the departments of Chuquisaca (south), La Paz (west), Tarija (south), Cochabamba (center), Santa Cruz (east), and Potosi (southwest), according to government sources.
La Paz has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme flooding, indicating that local authorities are overwhelmed and allowing for the mobilization of national resources to assist in relief efforts.
Calvimontes indicated that the nation faces significant challenges in protecting residents and restoring communities. He cautioned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue through April.
The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service has characterized the current weather patterns in Bolivia as extremely severe. Officials are collaborating with meteorologists to provide early warnings to local governments and mitigate risks, he added.
Additionally, four individuals remain missing, three of whom are located in northern La Paz and one in Chuquisaca.
The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service anticipates that the rains will continue in the upcoming weeks, potentially extending into March and April.
