Heavy Rains and Flood Risks Across Bolivia: Senamhi Issues New Orange Alert
Bolivia is set to experience continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms until at least January 8, with five departments now under a Priority Orange Alert issued by the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (Senamhi). This alert signals potential moderate to severe thunderstorms, with precipitation accumulation ranging from 50 to 90 millimeters in La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando.
Impacted Regions
In La Paz, the following provinces are at risk: Iturralde, Franz Tamayo, Sud Yungas, Nor Yungas, Caranavi, Iquisivi’s north, and Murillo. In Cochabamba, Chapare, Tiraque, J. Carrasco, Ayopaya’s north, Quillacollo, Cercado, and Campero’s east are under threat. Santa Cruz’s provincial risks include Andrés Ibañez, Warnes, Ichilo, Sara, Santiesteban, Chiquitos, Guarayos, Ñuflo de Chávez, Velasco, Busch, Sandoval, Caballero, Florida’s north, and Cordillera’s east.
In Beni, Marbán, Cercado, Moxos, Yacuma, Ballivián, Iténez, Mamoré, and Vaca Diez provinces face risks. Finally, Pando’s Madre de Dios, Nicolás Suarez, Manuripi, F. Román, and Abuná provinces are also under threat.
Flood Alert
Moreover, an Orange Hydrological Alert is in effect from January 4 to 12 for potential progressive rises in river levels in Oruro and La Paz, increasing the risk of flooding in several river basins.
Oruro’s Risks
River Juchus Jahuira and its secondary tributaries in Oruro may overflow, affecting communities near Puente Aroma and Toledo. River Desaguadero and secondary tributaries threaten Puente Carasila and nearby communities. River Aroma’s progressive level rise could lead to flooding in Toledo and surrounding areas.
La Paz’s Risks
In the La Paz altiplano, rivers Desaguadero, Jacha Jahuira, Khala Jahuira, Kheka Jahuira, Kheto, Mauri, Catari, and Negre, along with their tributaries, could overflow, affecting numerous communities.
River La Paz Basin
The basin of the River La Paz, encompassing Plan Autopista, Aruntaya, Umananta, Zona Sur of La Paz city, Achocalla, Mallasa, Mecapaca, Palomar, Huayhuasi, Palca, and nearby communities, is also at risk of flooding. Rivers Irpavi, Choqueyapu, Orkojahuira, and Achumani, along with their tributaries, could overflow, affecting these regions and more.
