Climate crisis in Bolivia: Snowfalls affect thousands of families and the productive sector
Western Bolivia is going through a critical situation due to intense snowfall that has mainly struck the Andean region of Potosí. According to data provided by the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense, the storm has left a toll of 26,220 families affected and 323 communities on alert, becoming the epicenter of the climate emergency.
Impact on Uyuni and the agricultural sector
The town of Uyuni, recognized worldwide for its salt flat and lithium reserves, reports 8,364 families impacted and 2,350 people affected. The livestock sector has been one of the hardest hit, with 78,755 camelids affected and the unfortunate loss of 750 animals. In the Villazón area, near the border with Argentina, the situation is concerning: about 85,000 head of cattle are at risk, while 55,000 hectares of grazing land have suffered significant damage.
Authorities have identified urgent needs that include forage, veterinary supplies, basic food items, machinery to rehabilitate roads, and assistance to recover damaged productive infrastructure.
Tourism under pressure and road restrictions
The tourist circuit of the Uyuni salt flats and the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve have seen their operations interrupted. Extreme weather has endangered foreign visitors, forcing rescue teams from the Police, fire department, and the Army to intervene in aid situations for American and French tourists who were trapped in remote areas.
Emergency measures and road conditions
- The Potosí Governorate has declared a regional emergency to expedite the delivery of aid.
- The Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) maintains restrictions on several sections, highlighting the total closure between Unduavi and Chulumani due to a loss of the road platform.
- The death of a woman in Oruro is reported following the fall of a tree, an event that is under official investigation.
National authorities are calling for caution, urging drivers to reduce speed and respect warning signs on high mountain routes. Monitoring in the most vulnerable areas remains active to ensure that assistance reaches the communities that need it most in the face of this unusual weather phenomenon.
