Bolivia declared a nationwide emergency on October 31 to speed up relief and prepare for El Niño-related drought and flooding, as water shortages have affected more than 78,000 families and killed over 75,000 cattle.
President Rodrigo Paz said the decree would help bring together financial and human resources. He said it would also help national agencies coordinate with international partners. The decree also calls for more rescue teams to be sent to areas already affected by floods or drought.
The latest reported figures show that 78,200 families have been affected in seven of Bolivia’s nine departments. The figures also show that 63 communities have declared drought conditions. A separate government report cited by news outlets says livestock losses have exceeded 75,000 head.
Authorities are also preparing for intense rain, river flooding, frost, hail and wildfires as the rainy season approaches. El Niño is a recurring warming of Pacific Ocean waters that can change rainfall patterns. It is expected to reach its peak toward the end of 2026.
Its effects could continue into 2027. The emergency declaration is meant to let officials act before conditions worsen. It is also meant to support communities facing water shortages, agricultural losses and flood risk.