Bolivia: Recovery operations ongoing in the Laquina community of the Sacaba Municipality, Cochabamba, as of Feb. 26 following flooding

Recovery operations are ongoing as of Feb. 26 in the Laquina community of the Sacaba Municipality in the department of Cochabamba following significant flooding in the area. A dam from a nearby lake broke on Feb. 25, leading to a major mud flooding in the community. Approximately 3,000 people remain without electricity or water. The flooding also affected the communities of Catachila Alta and Chinata. At least 40 residences were fully flooded by mud, and many others affected by the flooding. Multiple roads remain closed.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are likely in the affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts. Further utility outages could occur over the coming days.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as cholera. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters could pose a serious health threat.