Climate crisis in Bolivia: Intense snowfall leaves thousands of families affected in Potosí
Western Bolivia is going through a critical situation due to the heavy snowfall that has lashed the Andean region, with the department of Potosí as the epicenter of the emergency. According to the official report from the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense, the weather phenomenon has impacted 26,220 families and has left consequences in 323 communities in the area.
Impact on the economy and the agricultural sector
The Uyuni region, recognized worldwide for its salt flats and lithium reserves, is one of the hardest hit. Preliminary figures indicate that there are more than 8,300 families affected in this locality. The livestock sector has also suffered significant losses, with 78,755 camelids at risk and the report of 750 animals dead due to the low temperatures.
In municipalities like Villazón, the situation is alarming for local producers: nearly 85,000 head of cattle are at risk and 55,000 hectares of grazing land have been rendered unusable, compromising the food and economic security of the region.
The authorities have identified urgent needs that include forage, veterinary supplies, basic food items, machinery for road rehabilitation, and direct support for damaged productive infrastructure.
Tourism and mobility under pressure
The tourist circuit of the Salar de Uyuni and the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve have reported severe complications. In recent days, rescue teams had to intervene to safeguard American and French tourists who were stranded by snow in remote areas at an altitude of more than 4,200 meters.
- Regional emergency: The Potosí Governor’s Office has declared a state of emergency to mobilize additional resources.
- Road infrastructure: The Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) maintains preventive closures, highlighting the loss of the roadbed on the Unduavi-Chulumani section.
- Safety measures: Drivers are requested to travel with extreme caution due to the persistent risk on high-mountain routes.
While the national government continues to monitor the situation and provide assistance to the most vulnerable areas, an investigation is also underway into the death of a woman in the Oruro region, whose passing is linked to the collapse of a tree due to inclement weather. Alofoke Deportes will continue to report on the progress of this climate emergency that has the entire Bolivian territory on alert.
