At least 24 dead or missing after heavy rains hit Tarija, Bolivia

Heavy rains affecting the Tarija department of southeastern Bolivia over the past couple of days caused severe flash floods in which at least 4 people lost their lives and 20 remain missing.

Heavy rains started falling late February 20, causing the Itayuro stream in the municipality of Entre Rios, Burdett O’Connor Province in Tarija to overflow, sending torrents of water, mud, and debris down a narrow ravine.

Floodwaters were as deep as 2 m (6.5 feet) in places, destroying homes and crops, and killing livestock in the Guarani communities of Tomatirenda, Filadelfia, Palmarito, Ñaurenda, Saladito de Ñaurenda, Moko Mokal, Itayuru, and Timboy.¹

Power and water infrastructure in the region have been damaged as well as 90% of the roads, Civil Defence said.

The country’s Red Cross said 40 people were injured, 23 homes destroyed and another 80 damaged. At least 4 people have been killed while 20 others remain missing.

Heavy rains on February 22 hindered search and rescue operations as well as delivery of supply aid.

Some supplies reached the community of Timboy but it was only a small amount due to poor conditions of roads and heavy rains.

At the instruction of Governor Oscar Montes, a team of heavy machinery is clearing the roads of the municipality of Entre Ríos to allow the passage of water tanks to the affected communities.

All communities from Timboy upwards are without drinking water.²

¹ Bolivia – 20 Feared Missing After Floods in Tarija – FloodList

² Search and rescue continues in O’Connor despite persistent rain – Tarija Gov

Featured image credit: Gobierno Autónomo Departamental de Tarija