Bolivia: Risk of riverside flooding in La Paz and Cochabamba through Nov. 7

Event

The Bolivian weather service SENAMHI (Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología) has issued orange alerts for possible flooding in river-adjacent areas amid heavy rains in various parts of La Paz and Cochabamba departments. The alerts - set to remain in place through Wednesday, November 7 - are in effect for the following areas: Puerto Villarroel, Puerto Grethel, Entre Ríos, and Bulo Bulo (Ichilo River); Villa Tunari, Sinahota, and Santa Rosa del Chapare (Chapare River); the Ivirgarzama River; Chimoré (Chimoré River); the city of Cochabamba,  Tiquipaya, Sacaba, Colcapirhua, Quillacollo, and Vinto (Rocha River); Ivirizu (Ivirzu River); Villa Tunari, Cristal Mayu, and Villa Porvenir (Espíritu Santo River); Locotal (Paracti River); Palos Blancos (Alto Beni River); Guanay (Tipuani River); Guanay, Angosto Quercano, and Mapiri (Mapiri River); Caranavi and Santa Rita de Buenos Aires (Coroico River); Zongo (Zongo River); and La Asunta (Boopi River).

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.