Bolivia declares state of emergency due to heavy rains

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La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is grappling with severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

According to a government document, authorities have declared a state of emergency in response to the situation.

Media reports suggest that overflowing rivers have inflicted extensive damage to numerous houses over the weekend.

Bolivian President Luis Arce has pledged to deploy heavy machinery and mobilise 3,000 troops to help alleviate further damage, as detailed in the document.

On social media platform X, Arce conveyed his profound concern for the situation, stating, “We are deeply troubled by the challenging circumstances faced by our municipality in La Paz.”

“As the National Government we will intervene immediately, mobilising technical and logistical resources. The Joint Command for Response to Adverse Events (CCREA), made up of the three forces: Army, Bolivian Air Force and Bolivian Navy, is prepared to deploy heavy machinery and around three thousand troops in the affected areas, along with Police personnel. Boliviana, EPSAS and the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense,” he stated in Spanish.

According to Reuters, the heavy rains have led to flooding in multiple neighbourhoods, causing disruptions to water and electricity supply in isolated areas of the city.

Sadly, one person lost their life in La Paz over the weekend due to the heavy rains.

Official data reveals that across the country, nearly 50 individuals have died in floods since the onset of the rainy season in January.

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