Bolivia declares state of emergency over El Nino weather pattern
Bolivia has declared a nationwide state of emergency to free up resources to accord with the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Bolivia has declared a nationwide state of emergency to free up resources to accord with the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Article outline
- What happened
- What comes next
- Why it matters
- The bottom line
Key points
- In early September, the World Meteorological Organization documented a almost 100 percent likelihood that El Nino will continue through February 2027.
- Scientists predict El Nino could cause more than 450, 000 deaths globally, with the poorest countries worst impacted.
- In December 2025, floods in the Santa Cruz region killed dozens of individuals.
- While wildfires in Peru killed at least 12 individuals last month, neighbouring Chile's capital, Santiago, recorded the rainiest October ever.
- Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree on Saturday.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree on Saturday. It additionally called on further deployments of rescue teams in areas of the country hard hit by flooding and drought.
El Nino will have "very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods", Paz remarked, adding that Bolivia needs "the cooperation of all institutions".
Drought is now affecting 78, 000 families in six of Bolivia's nine departments and has led to the loss of more than 75, 000 cattle, according to a administration report this week.
Bolivia is additionally prone to flooding. In December 2025, floods in the Santa Cruz region killed dozens of individuals.
El Nino, a global climate phenomenon that occurs roughly every two to seven years, is part of the planet's natural weather cycle.
During this climate event, warming in the Pacific Ocean brings worldwide changes in winds, pressure, and rainfall patterns, often causing extreme weather.
El Nino's intensity varies, and its impact changes based on geographic location, but this cycle could be the strongest in recorded history. It is due to peak at the end of 2026, but its impacts could continue well into 2027.
Taken together, the developments around bolivia declares state of emergency over El Nino weather pattern point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.
