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Bolivia Floods Leave At Least 20 Dead, Dozens Missing After Piraí River Overflows

A crisis cabinet directs airlifts after forecasters warn of a prolonged rainy season.

Overview

  • Authorities report at least 20 fatalities with dozens unaccounted for after torrential rains triggered the Piraí River’s overflow near Santa Cruz.
  • More than 2,000 families have been affected in hard‑hit areas including El Torno, Colpa Bélgica, Mairana and Buena Vista, with residents sheltering on rooftops and in trees.
  • The government declared disaster conditions in Santa Cruz as President Rodrigo Paz installed a crisis cabinet and moved toward a national emergency declaration.
  • Helicopters evacuated 281 people in recent operations, and 148 detainees were rescued from an inundated detention center, according to Civil Defense.
  • Senamhi maintains red alerts for the Piraí with risks of fresh surges, and warnings extend to the Maniquí River in Beni as heavy rains are expected to persist for months.