Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a national state of emergency over the effects of El Niño, which threatens the country with both drought and flooding. Supreme Decree 5759 authorizes the mobilization of human and financial resources, strengthens rescue teams and enables coordination with local authorities and international cooperation organizations, local media reported.
The country’s deputy minister for civil defense says drought has affected more than 78,000 families in six of Bolivia’s nine departments. It has also led to the loss of more than 75,000 livestock, while 63 communities have declared an emergency because of water shortages.
Paz warned that conditions could be especially severe, with dry periods alternating with intense rainfall and flooding. The United Nations has also flagged the possibility that the current El Niño episode could reach exceptional intensity.
Sources: ANSA Mondo.