Bolivia: 4,499 families affected in 11 municipalities by heavy snowfall

Intense snowfall has severely impacted Bolivia's Potosí department, affecting 11 municipalities, 131 communities, and a total of 4,499 families. The regional government has activated an immediate response plan to mitigate the effects of the severe weather.

The agricultural sector is particularly hard-hit, with an estimated 136,687 heads of camelid, goat, and sheep livestock facing severe risk. Frozen native pastures and "bofedales" (high-altitude wetlands) have led to a critical scarcity of fodder, threatening the animals' survival.

In response, the Potosí Governorate has deployed assistance, including the distribution of wheat bran, alfalfa hay, and restorative vitamins to prevent animal mortality. Efforts are also underway to clear snow-covered roads using minor tools.

Authorities have issued a "yellow alert" for meteorological and hydrological conditions, anticipating further precipitation between August 11 and 14 in the southwestern, central, southern, and northern regions of the department. Surveillance and rescue operations are concentrated in municipalities such as Atocha, Tomave, Uyuni, and San Pablo de Lípez, among others.