Tragic Toll of Bolivia’s Rainy Season: 40 Lives Lost and Displacement of Thousands

Since the commencement of Bolivia’s annual rainy season in November, 40 people have died, and seven remain missing due to flooding and landslides, particularly in La Paz. Authorities have reported significant damage, leading to the evacuation of threatened areas and displacement of over 163,193 families.

The annual rainy season in Bolivia has resulted in devastating consequences, with authorities reporting 40 fatalities and seven individuals currently missing. This information was published on March 11 by Bernama-Xinhua. The rainy season, commencing in November, has particularly affected the city of La Paz where recent landslides have significantly impacted local communities.

Juan Carlos Calvimontes, the Deputy Minister of Civil Defence, has indicated that the death toll may further increase due to the landslides that have either damaged or completely destroyed approximately 80 homes within the vicinity. Alarmed by the situation, authorities have mandated the full evacuation of the affected area to prevent additional casualties, emphasizing the need for residents to avoid the restricted zones prone to further landslides.

As per the latest civil defence report, over 163,193 families have been displaced or rendered homeless as a result of the flooding, with the majority of incidents occurring in the La Paz department. Across the nation, heavy rains have impacted 105 municipalities, leading to a state of disaster in 37 of them, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The annual rains in Bolivia have caused significant loss of life and widespread displacement among families. With 40 fatalities reported and over 163,000 individuals affected, the severity of the situation demands urgent attention from authorities and relief efforts. Continuous monitoring and evacuation measures are essential to mitigate further losses as the rainy season progresses.

Original Source: www.bernama.com