Bolivia declares emergency over El Niño drought and flood risks

Bolivia’s president, Rodrigo Paz, has declared a national state of emergency to mobilise resources and rescue teams against drought and flooding risks linked to El Niño, known locally as the “Súper Niño”.

Paz signed the decree on Saturday, 31 October. He said the climate pattern could bring severe impacts and called for co-operation between national and local institutions. The emergency measure allows more financial resources and rescue units to be deployed in critical areas, Deutsche Welle reported.

Drought is already affecting more than 78,000 families in six of Bolivia’s nine departments, according to the latest report from the Vice-Ministry of Civil Defence, cited by Deutsche Welle. The report also recorded the loss of more than 75,000 head of livestock.

Paz said 63 communities had already declared themselves affected by drought, while others were preparing for possible floods, according to Bolivian outlet Visión 360.

The declaration comes as forecasters warn that the current El Niño could become exceptionally strong. The strengthening climate pattern and forecasts for a possible record peak point to heightened risks, but impacts vary by region. Deutsche Welle reported that Peru has faced higher temperatures and wildfires, while Santiago, Chile, recorded its wettest October on record.