Bolivia's 'Super Niño' phenomenon leaves over 120,000 families affected by storms

Bolivia is grappling with the severe impacts of a climatic phenomenon dubbed the “Súper Niño,” which has brought intense blizzards, heavy rains, floods, and strong winds to the country. Six of the nation's nine departments are feeling the brunt of this extreme weather.

Since August 11, the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense has reported 82,728 families affected and 20,760 displaced by snowstorms alone. These blizzards have also devastated 28,799 hectares of crops and impacted 209,143 head of livestock, with 376 animals lost. The snow has primarily affected the departments of Potosí, Oruro, La Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, and Tarija.

In addition to the snow, heavy rains and floods have hit three departments, La Paz, Potosí, and Cochabamba, impacting 153 communities. These events have led to 11,144 families being affected and 2,091 displaced. Strong winds have also caused emergencies in Potosí, affecting eight municipalities and 87 communities, resulting in 3,227 families affected, 1,022 displaced, and one fatality.

Cumulatively, these weather events have impacted a total of 120,972 families. The Vice Minister of Civil Defense, Roberto Rivero Zimmermann, stated that institutional response efforts are ongoing, with continuous monitoring to identify and address the needs of the affected populations.

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The monitoring and attention are permanent at the national level.