Bolivia: Heavy rain causes flooding in south and east January 9 /update 1

Event

Heavy rains in southern and eastern Bolivia caused flooding, affecting approximately 2000 families as of Wednesday, January 9. Four municipalities in Santa Cruz and Potosí departments were inundated by water, damaging crops and forcing families to flee. Road closures and associated transportation disruptions in the affected areas are possible through the coming days.

Context

Flooding is common in Bolivia during the rainy season (October to April) and can result in significant transportation disruptions, structural damage, and loss of life.

Advice

Individuals in Bolivia, particularly Santa Cruz and Potosí departments, are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding and transportation disruptions, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.