Bolivia Declares State of Emergency as El Nino Triggers Widespread Drought

OPA WIRE, Nov 1 (OPA) — Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed the emergency decree on Saturday, authorizing the rapid deployment of rescue teams to regions devastated by concurrent flooding and drought. The government move aims to streamline the distribution of aid and logistical support to six of the country’s nine departments currently struggling with the climate phenomenon.

Official government reports indicate that 78,000 families are currently grappling with the effects of the drought. The crisis has resulted in the loss of more than 75,000 cattle, placing immense strain on the nation’s agricultural sector. President Paz emphasized the necessity of institutional cooperation, warning that the country faces severe impacts as the weather cycle continues to escalate.

Bolivia remains highly vulnerable to extreme climate volatility. In December 2025, catastrophic flooding in the Santa Cruz region resulted in dozens of fatalities. Regional neighbors have also reported record-breaking weather events, including unprecedented rainfall in Santiago, Chile, and deadly wildfires in Peru during the previous month.

El Nino, characterized by warming in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to reach its peak intensity by the end of 2026. While the phenomenon is part of a natural cycle, scientists warn this iteration could be among the strongest on record. The World Meteorological Organization has projected a near-certain probability that the event will persist through February 2027, with potential long-term impacts extending throughout the year.