The emergency measure allows Bolivian authorities to swiftly deploy rescue personnel and unlock vital financial resources. Drought conditions have devastated rural communities, affecting 78,000 families and killing more than 75,000 cattle nationwide. Meanwhile, the country remains at high risk for fatal flooding, reminiscent of the disaster that killed dozens in Santa Cruz in December 2025. Worsening conditions are part of a broader regional disruption that has triggered lethal wildfires in Peru and record-breaking rainfall in Chile.
Key points
The Bolivian government activated emergency protocols to mobilize critical rescue teams a…: The Bolivian government activated emergency protocols to mobilize critical rescue teams and financial aid.
Regional weather extremes have simultaneously caused deadly flooding, record rainfall, an…: Regional weather extremes have simultaneously caused deadly flooding, record rainfall, and destructive wildfires across South America.
The World Meteorological Organization expects the ongoing El Nino cycle to persist throug…: The World Meteorological Organization expects the ongoing El Nino cycle to persist through at least February 2027.
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Drought is affecting 78,000 families, and has led to the loss of more than 75,000 cattle, as El Nino is due to peak in late 2026.
Bolivia has declared a nationwide state of emergency to free up resources to deal with the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree on Saturday, which also called for further deployments of rescue teams in areas of the country hard hit by flooding and drought.
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El Nino will have “very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods”, Paz said, adding that Bolivia needs “the cooperation of all institutions”.
Drought is now affecting 78,000 families in six of Bolivia’s nine departments and has led to the loss of more than 75,000 cattle, according to a government report this week.
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