What is the current death toll from the Bolivia floods?

The death toll from the floods in Bolivia's Santa Cruz region has reached 20.

What caused the severe flooding in Santa Cruz, Bolivia?

The floods were caused by intense rainfall and an overflowing River Pirai, exacerbated by deforestation and climate patterns like El Nino and La Nina.

What is President Rodrigo Paz doing about the Bolivia floods?

President Paz is assessing the situation, criticizing past administrations for insufficient resources, and highlighting deforestation as a contributing factor.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Bolivia Floods: Death Toll Climbs to 20, More Feared

Bolivia Floods: Death Toll Climbs to 20, More Feared

15 Dec

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Summary

Bolivia's Santa Cruz region faces rising death toll of 20 from floods.
Over two dozen people are missing, with hundreds of families displaced.
Deforestation is cited as a worsening factor for the severe flooding.

In Bolivia's eastern Santa Cruz region, devastating floods triggered by the overflowing River Pirai have claimed at least 20 lives. Authorities report over two dozen people are still missing, and hundreds of families have been left without shelter following days of intense rainfall. Rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters airlifting survivors from inundated areas. The severe weather has caused significant damage, including the collapse of a river bridge.

Officials attribute the worsening flood situation partly to widespread deforestation over the past two decades, noting the significant loss of forest cover. The combined effects of El Nino and La Nina weather patterns are also cited as contributing factors, leading to heavier rainfall in the Amazon basin. President Rodrigo Paz criticized previous administrations for inadequate emergency response resources.

While rescue efforts are intensifying, with hopes for improved weather conditions to aid receding water levels, the President warned that the crisis is far from over. The government is assessing the situation and aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities in the face of such natural disasters.