Heavy rains cause severe flooding and landslides in La Paz, Bolivia
Western Bolivia has been hit by heavy rainfall leading to severe flooding and landslides in the capital La Paz (population 755 700). Over 30 residents were displaced, and at least 26 individuals were injured. 1 child is missing, as confirmed by local authorities on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Image credit: 9NEWS
The torrential rain caused the Pasajahuira River to overflow in Bolivia on November 23 and 24.
The disaster severely impacted the Boja Llojeta neighborhood on the outskirts of La Paz where more than 20 houses were damaged due to flooding while a landslide on November 24 destroyed 40 homes.
The Bolivian National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) has issued warnings of continued rainfall over the next 96 hours noting the risk of further devastation. Emergency response teams, including 300 military personnel, have evacuated residents and assisted with recovery efforts.
Local reports have shown scenes of destruction. “There was screaming and terrible desperation,” Julieta Clavijo, the municipal president of Bajo Llojeta said.
Residents shared how they were trapped in their homes, with some escaping through rooftops as water and mud flooded their neighborhoods.
“My house is flooded, and the mud keeps rising,” Andrea Quispe, a resident of Bajo Llojeta said.
“We need more help, more equipment. This help is not enough.”
“The torrent of rocks and soil surged down a narrow ravine, wrecking some two dozen homes and flooding another 40,” Juan Carlos Calvimontes, Deputy Civil Defense Minister of Bolivia, detailed about the damage.
Efforts to locate the missing 5-year-old girl are ongoing while rescuers have pulled at least 6 individuals from the mud with some suffering from hypothermia.
“There are irresponsible people who destabilize the hillside, and the rains drag it away, affecting the lower-lying neighborhoods,” Ivan Arias, Mayor of La Paz, criticized unauthorized construction practices.
“We are shocked by what happened. This cannot be left like this. An investigation must be carried out,” Luis Arce Catacora, President of Bolivia, visited the affected sites promising aid and accountability.
La Paz, surrounded by steep hills and prone to landslides, faces ongoing challenges as Bolivia enters its rainy season.
References:
1 Bolivia’s heavy rains cause river to flood homes near La Paz – Reuters – November 25, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.