Bolivia: Disruptions due to flooding continue across much of the country as of March 11 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding continue to affect many areas of Bolivia as of March 11. Heavy rainfall in recent days and weeks has triggered flooding that has affected at least 317 out of the country's 366 municipalities. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the capital city La Paz March 10 after flooding and landslides damaged many homes, blocked roads, and caused power outages across parts of the city. One person died amid the heavy downpours in the capital; nearly 50 fatalities have been confirmed during the rainy season since the start of the year. Authorities have declared a state of disaster in at least 19 municipalities and a state of emergency in at least 10 other municipalities. More than 35,000 people across the country have been affected by the flooding, of which more than 5,500 have been evacuated. More than 1,300 homes have been destroyed or damaged by the flooding.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of Bolivia over the coming days, which will likely exacerbate the situation in many areas already experiencing floods from previous downpours. As of March 11, 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 central and western Chuqusiaca, eastern Potosi, and northwestern Tarija departments. Red hydrological alerts for rising river levels are in place for rivers in parts of La Paz and Pando 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.