Bolivia declares national emergency over El Niño as drought hits over 78,000 families
Drought is already affecting more than 78,000 families in seven regions of the country.
Bolivia has declared a national emergency due to the effects of El Niño, a weather phenomenon causing both drought and flooding. President Rodrigo Paz issued the emergency declaration on October 31st to allocate resources for addressing the impacts of the phenomenon. The emergency aims to mobilize financial and human resources, as well as to coordinate efforts between national institutions and international cooperation to assist the affected areas.
According to Vice Minister of Civil Defence, over 78,000 families have been affected by the drought, with the regions of La Paz, Oruro, Potosí, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Tarija, and Santa Cruz being the most impacted. Additionally, 63 communities have declared a drought, while others are preparing for potential flooding.
Paz warned that the country could face a combination of extreme events, including droughts and floods, making this phenomenon particularly severe. Both public administrations and citizens are urged to collaborate in mitigating the damage. The emergency decree covers risks associated with El Niño throughout the 2026-2027 period, including droughts, floods, frosts, hailstorms, forest fires, and river overflows.
The declaration is intended to facilitate a coordinated response among different levels of government and to provide stronger support for vulnerable communities.
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