Floods in Bolivia leave 40 dead, 7 missing

Downpours and the resulting flooding in Bolivia have left 40 people dead and seven others missing since the annual rainy season began in November, authorities said.

Deputy Minister of Civil Defense, Juan Carlos Calvimontes, warned that the death toll could rise after a landslide in the city of La Paz damaged or destroyed 80 homes.

Authorities ordered a full evacuation of the stricken area to avoid further loss of lives and urged people to stay out of the restricted area at risk of more landslides.

163,193 families were either displaced or left homeless, with most of the damaged homes located in the department of La Paz, according to the latest civil defense report.

Since November, heavy rains have hit 105 municipalities, of which 37 have declared a state of disaster.

In November 2024, heavy rainfall in La Paz, Bolivia, led to a devastating landslide in the Bajo Llojeta neighborhood. The Pasajahuira River overflowed, causing mud and debris to inundate the area. This disaster resulted in the destruction of 24 homes and flooding of an additional 40 residences. Tragically, a 5-year-old girl was reported missing following the incident. ​

Emergency responders, including approximately 300 military personnel, were deployed to assist in evacuation and cleanup operations. The Bolivian government emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the causes of the disaster.​

This event highlighted the challenges faced by urban areas like La Paz, where rapid urbanization and unauthorized construction on vulnerable hillsides exacerbate the risks associated with natural disasters. The city's mayor noted that many of the affected homes were built without proper authorization, making them particularly susceptible to such calamities.​

As Bolivia continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the resilience of its communities is continually tested.