At least 49 dead, over 700 000 affected as floods continue across Bolivia
At least 49 people have died, and more than 700 000 have been affected by floods since the beginning of the year in Bolivia, with the Beni Department the latest declaring a State of Emergency.
Tractor drowned by floodwaters in Bolivia. Image credit: grupoeldeber
The Department of Beni declared a State of Disaster on March 24, 2025, due to intense flooding across the region. The declaration was made to seek immediate assistance for the affected communities and activate emergency resources from the central government of Bolivia.
According to the decree, the State of Disaster was declared due to flooding threatening food security in the region and severely disrupting transportation, requiring immediate attention and assistance for the affected communities.
Heavy rainfall has caused multiple rivers to overflow across the country in recent weeks. A 45-minute downpour on March 24 led to flooding in the La Paz region, with floodwater accumulating in front of the Mayor’s office. The rainfall also caused the Orkojahuira, Choqueyapu, Huayña Jahuira, and Irpavi rivers to overflow. La Paz Mayor Iván Arias stated that the alert will remain in effect until March 27, as similar downpours may recur.
Intense rainfall also caused the Quirusillas River to overflow in the Santa Cruz Valley, affecting nine communities and destroying their corn crops. Crop production in at least six towns was impacted. The floods also damaged multiple roads in the region, significantly hindering transportation.
Since the beginning of the year, persistent rainfall has led to continuous flooding across the country, leaving at least 49 people dead.
The towns of Reyes, Borja, Rurrenabaque, and Riberalta in the Beni Department of northern Bolivia have been among the worst affected.
The floods have affected more than 700 000 people, destroyed 708 homes, and led 81 municipalities to declare a State of Disaster. Authorities have deployed over 4 000 personnel to assist affected populations.
References:
1 Beni Gobernación de Beni declara desastre departamental por lluvias e inundaciones – ED – March 25, 2025
2 Floods in Bolivia’s Amazon affect 2,000 families and drinking water is scarce – ED – March 22, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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