Bolivia declares state of emergency as intensifying El Niño threatens droughts and floods
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a national state of emergency to mobilise resources and prepare for severe droughts and flooding caused by El Niño, a powerful weather phenomenon. At least 78,000 families are already suffering from drought, and the United Nations has warned that this 'super' El Niño event will have severe impacts lasting for years.
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Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a national state of emergency to strengthen the country's response to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which threatens to bring severe droughts and flooding. The presidential decree allows the deployment of additional rescue teams and coordinates efforts between national and regional authorities, the armed forces and police. 'This will be a phenomenon that will have very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods, and we need the cooperation of all institutions,' Paz said.
El Niño developed in June and has strengthened rapidly since then. Authorities have warned of potential floods, flash floods and landslides as the rainy season begins. At least 78,000 families in Bolivia have already been affected by drought. The current El Niño is expected to become exceptionally strong, or 'super.' Researchers estimate that the unusually high temperatures linked to this phenomenon could cause around 451,000 excess deaths worldwide between June 2026 and February 2027.
The United Nations has described this El Niño event, expected to peak in December, as 'heading off the charts.' The organisation is urging Pacific nations to prepare for severe impacts that could continue for years.
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