03 Dec 2018 | 11:05 PM UTC
Bolivia: Heavy rain prompts flood warnings across Bolivia until December 6 /update 1
Bolivia’s meteorological service issues flood warnings across country effective until December 6; transportation disruptions possible in Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, and Pando departments
Event
Heavy rain over the past week has resulted in high water levels and prompted flooding concerns across large areas of Bolivia as of Monday, December 3. The Bolivian weather service SENAMHI (Servicio Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología) has issued orange alerts - the second-highest on a four-tier scale - for parts of Cochabamba, Beni, Pando, and La Paz departments until Thursday, December 6. The Mamoré, Madre de Dios, and Beni river basins are the most susceptible to flooding in the coming days. Transportation disruptions, including due to infrastructure damage and closed roads, are possible.
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 in Bolivia are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm the status of roads and bridges, and anticipate transportation disruptions. 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.
