Bolivia declares El Niño emergency over drought, floods

President Rodrigo Paz declared a nationwide state of emergency in Bolivia on November 1, 2026, citing El Niño-driven drought and the risk of floods. Official reports cited by multiple outlets put the drought toll at about 78,000 families affected and more than 75,000 cattle killed. "This will be a phenomenon that will have very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods, and we need the cooperation of all institutions," Paz said. DW reports the decree allows deployment of rescue teams and coordination between national and regional authorities, the armed forces and police, and that drought has reached at least seven of Bolivia's nine departments. CGTN, attributing the figure to Paz, says drought has hit 63 communities, differing from the 78,000-families figure used elsewhere. According to DW, the current El Niño developed in June 2026 and is expected to peak in December. The United Nations has described it as heading off the charts. Researchers estimate about 451,000 excess deaths worldwide from June 2026 to February 2027 linked to the El Niño, DW reports. Authorities have also warned of potential floods, flash floods and landslides as the rainy season begins.