Bolivia Declares Emergency Over Drought and El Niño Risks

Bolivia declared a national emergency on October 31 to address drought already affecting tens of thousands of families and prepare for El Niño-related hazards, including possible flooding. President Rodrigo Paz signed Decree 5759, which directs government agencies to coordinate the response. The decree names no funding amount. A government report said drought had affected about 78,000 families in six of Bolivia’s nine departments and caused the loss of more than 75,000 cattle. The Vice Ministry of Civil Defense gave a more precise count of at least 78,217 affected families, including in La Paz, Oruro, Potosí and Cochabamba. The decree directs the Ministry of Defense to coordinate with regional governments and municipalities. It identifies drought and risks linked to El Niño in 2026 and 2027, listing frost, hail, forest fires, floods, flash floods and overflowing rivers among the hazards. Paz also called for additional rescue teams to be deployed in the worst-affected areas. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said financing procedures were still pending. The decree does not state how much money will be available or specify how long the emergency will last. Paz said 63...