Bolivia: Widespread flooding continues /update 2

Event

Flooding sparked by torrential rain continues in much of Bolivia amid the ongoing rainy season. Orange flood alerts have been issued for river-adjacent areas across the country and are currently set to remain in place until at least Tuesday, February 20. A full list of affected areas is available at the SENAMHI website (the national weather service).

As of February 19, at least eight deaths have been reported, most of which occurred in Cochabamba department.

Context

Flooding is common in Bolivia during the rainy season (October to April) and can result in significant transportation disruptions, structural damage, and loss of life. Tens of thousands of people have been affected by the rains thus far this season in Bolivia, which have been persistent since November 2017.

Advice

Individuals present in Bolivia are advised to monitor local weather reports and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.