Bolivia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the country as of Dec. 11

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across the country as of Dec. 11. The worst affected are Guanay and Tipuani municipalities in the department of La Paz; states of emergency are in place. The flooding has affected at least 630 families in Guanay Municipality. Adverse weather conditions and damage to the transport network have delayed aid. The bridge in the town of Cangalli, connecting Tipuani and Guanay, is also flooded.

Around 25 communities in Cotagaita Municipality, Potosi Department, are flooded, affecting approximately 1,500 families. Authorities have confirmed two fatalities due to flooding; up to five people remain missing. Landslides on the Doble Via El Sillar Dec. 10 have blocked the road between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz departments. Authorities stated that they had partially cleared the impacted road as of early Dec. 11; however, they did not provide a timeline for complete restoration.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across much of Bolivia over the coming days, which will likely exacerbate the situation in many areas already experiencing floods from previous downpours. As of Dec. 11, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (SENAMHI) has issued a red alert for rising river levels (the highest on a three-tier scale) for the Coroico, Mapiri, and Tipuani rivers and their tributaries in northern La Paz Department through at least Dec. 13. Yellow alerts are in place for dozens of other rivers in Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Potosi departments. SENAMHI warns that the overflowing rivers will threaten towns near the rivers. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Days of heavy rainfall have led to rivers overflowing in seven of Bolivia's nine departments. Reports indicate structural damage in at least 18 municipalities across Chuquiasca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija departments. Eight fatalities have occurred across the country in recent flooding, with thousands of families displaced. The floods have destroyed over 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of crops, and many routes across the country are impassable.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. A bridge in Mairana, Santa Cruz Department, collapsed due to flooding; moreover, the Pirai River, which is under a red alert, passes close to the city of Santa Cruz. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.