Bolivia: Flood and rain alerts issued through November 18 /update 3

Event

The Bolivian weather service SENAMHI (Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología) has issued an orange alert - the second-highest on a four-tier scale - for the departments of Cochabamba, Beni, and La Paz, due to heavy rains and potential flooding in river-adjacent areas November 12-18. Disaster officials have warned that residents along the Mamoré, Chapare, and Beni rivers face the highest risk of severe floods.

SENAMHI has also issued orange alerts for heavy rain - up to 8 cm (3 in) - forecast for the evening of Wednesday, November 14, and the morning of Thursday, November 15. The alerts are in effect for the following provinces of Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Beni, and La Paz departments: Andrés Ibáñez, Ichilo, Sara, Obispo Santistevan, Guarayos, Nuflo de Chávez, Carrasco, Chapare, Ayopaya, Moxos, Marban, Cercado, Yacuma, Ballivian, Mamoré, Iténez, Larecaja, Muñecas, Caranavi, Nor Yungas, Franz Tamayo, Bautista Saavedra, and Abel Iturralde.

Localized traffic disruptions are possible in the abovementioned areas.

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.

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.