Floods and drought threaten Bolivia as declares state emergency over Nino weather pattern risks
Emergency response expands
President Rodrigo Paz signed the emergency decree on Saturday. It calls for more rescue teams in parts of Bolivia severely affected by flooding and drought. Paz warned that El Nino could bring very serious drought and flood consequences. He said the country needed cooperation from its institutions.
Drought and flood damage
A government report this week said drought was affecting 78,000 families in six of Bolivia’s nine departments. It also recorded the loss of more than 75,000 cattle. Flooding is another recurring hazard in Bolivia. Floods in the Santa Cruz region in December 2025 killed dozens of people.
Regional weather concerns
El Nino occurs roughly every two to seven years as part of the planet’s natural climate cycle. Warmer Pacific Ocean waters can alter winds, pressure and rainfall around the world, contributing to extreme conditions.
Forecast points to 2027
The strength of El Nino and its effects differ by place. This cycle could be the strongest on record, is expected to peak at the end of 2026 and may continue affecting conditions well into 2027.
Scientists have forecast that El Nino could cause more than 450,000 deaths worldwide, with poorer countries facing the greatest harm. In early September, the World Meteorological Organization put the likelihood of the phenomenon continuing through February 2027 at nearly 100 percent.
Key points
- Bolivia’s emergency decree aims to release resources and expand rescue deployments.
- Drought has affected 78,000 families and caused the loss of more than 75,000 cattle.
- El Nino is expected to peak in late 2026, with impacts possibly continuing into 2027.
- The World Meteorological Organization reported an almost certain likelihood of El Nino continuing through February 2027.