Bolivia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across much of the country as of Feb. 29

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across much of Bolivia as of Feb. 29. Heavy rainfall in recent days and weeks has affected 317 out of the country's 366 municipalities and authorities have declared a state of disaster in 12 municipalities and a state of emergency in seven municipalities. Some of the worst affected areas include several municipalities in La Paz Department and Cobija Municipality in Pando Department. Authorities have reported 42 weather-related fatalities across the country and more than 31,000 families have been affected. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from affected areas and more than 800 homes have been destroyed by flooding.

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 early Feb. 29, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (SENAMHI) has issued orange heavy rain and thunderstorm alerts (the middle on a three-tier scale) for parts of southwestern La Paz, central and eastern Oruro, and central and eastern Potosi departments. Red hydrological alerts for rising river levels are in place for rivers in parts of La Paz, Pando, and Yungas departments and orange warnings are in place for many other rivers across the country. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

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 could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. 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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.