8 months ago
Bolivia Floods Death Toll Rises to 20
There was a big flood in Bolivia that started because of very heavy rain.
The flood made a river overflow, and now 20 people have died.
Many more are missing, and hundreds of families don't have homes anymore.
The president of Bolivia said that the country wasn't ready for this kind of emergency and that cutting down too many trees made the flood worse.
Rescue teams are working hard to help people, and the weather is expected to get better soon.
The death toll from floods in Bolivia's Santa Cruz region has risen to 20, with at least two dozen people still missing.
Heavy rains began on Saturday, causing the River Pirai to overflow and leading to widespread flooding.
Rescue teams have saved around 300 people, but over 2,100 families have been affected and left without shelter.
President Rodrigo Paz criticized past administrations for lack of emergency preparedness and highlighted deforestation as a worsening factor.
Meteorologists warn that El Nino and La Nina weather patterns are contributing to heavier rainfall in the Amazon basin.
- Who
- Rescue teams, Bolivian authorities, President Rodrigo Paz, affected families
- What
- Floods triggered by an overflowing river
- Where
- Santa Cruz region, Bolivia
- When
- Heavy rains began on Saturday, December 13
- Why
- Intense rainfall and overflowing river, exacerbated by El Nino and La Nina weather patterns and deforestation
Key facts
- Death Toll
- 20
- Missing People
- Two dozen
- Rescued People
- 300
- Affected Families
- 2,100
- Region Affected
- Santa Cruz
- Weather Patterns
- El Nino and La Nina
- Deforestation Impact
- 10.4 million hectares lost in 2014
Quotes
Alfredo Troche
Deputy Civil Defense Minister of Bolivia
“We unfortunately have 16 more confirmed bodies, bringing the total to 20. And we have two dozen missing.”
theprint.in
Saturnina Quispe
A survivor of the floods
“I kept shouting until they heard me, but then we couldn’t do more. We went to the road but couldn’t pass.”
theprint.in
Rodrigo Paz
President of Bolivia
“This is not over, it’s just beginning.”
theprint.in
