Bolivia Faces Dire Impact from Rainy Season as Death Toll Reaches 58

Bolivia’s rainy season has resulted in 58 deaths, 10 missing, and over 860,000 families displaced since November. The heavy rains prompted disaster declarations in multiple departments, and a national emergency was declared to facilitate aid. The rainy season is projected to continue until mid-May, with experts noting unusual weather phenomena.

In Bolivia, the ongoing rainy season has tragically led to the death of 58 individuals, alongside 10 others who remain missing. Since November of the previous year, more than 860,000 families have found themselves homeless, a grim report from the authorities revealed on Wednesday. The information was shared by Deputy Minister of Civil Defense, Juan Carlos Calvimontes, during a press conference, emphasizing the severe impact of this season’s rainfall.

Calvimontes indicated that rainfall levels from the onset of this season, lasting until April 2025, have already surpassed those recorded in the previous year. The situation has prompted five out of Bolivia’s nine departments to declare natural disasters, while three departments have escalated their responses by declaring states of emergency. In response to the crisis, President Luis Arce’s government announced a national emergency in March to facilitate the inflow of international humanitarian aid.

As of now, the rainy season is anticipated to persist until May 15, raising concerns among the public and government officials alike. Lucia Walper, the head of rain forecasting at the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, described the current conditions as an “anomalous phenomenon.” This remark underscores the unusual nature of the rainfall patterns that have significantly affected the nation, leading to widespread devastation and suffering.

In summary, Bolivia’s rainy season has caused significant loss of life and widespread displacement, marking an alarming crisis for the nation. With the death toll reaching 58 and many families left homeless, the government has taken drastic measures, including declaring a national emergency. Unfortunately, forecasts indicate that this extreme weather will continue for several weeks, intensifying the urgency for assistance and intervention.

Original Source: en.apa.az