Floods in Bolivia Kill at Least 20 After River Overflows

Floods in Bolivia Kill at Least 20 After River Overflows
……..

At least 20 people have been killed after severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall swept through parts of Bolivia over the weekend, authorities said, Anadolu Agency reported. The flooding was particularly severe in the eastern city of Santa Cruz, where the Pirai River burst its banks and inundated nearby communities.

Vice Minister of Civil Defense Alfredo Troche said several people remain missing, with search and rescue teams continuing operations around the clock in affected areas. He added that the situation remains critical as water levels recede slowly.

President Rodrigo Paz said the government has established a crisis and situation room at the Government Palace in La Paz to coordinate emergency responses and closely track developments. He noted that steps are being taken to declare a national state of emergency in the worst-hit regions.

The president also warned that ongoing El Niño and La Niña climate patterns could bring further heavy rainfall over the next three to five months, potentially followed by periods of drought.