Bolivia has declared a state of emergency to deal with the impacts of the El Niño climate pattern. President Rodrigo Paz announced the signing of a national emergency decree on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The decree is intended to give the government the power to respond quickly to extreme weather, water shortages and related problems that the El Niño phenomenon may trigger. It signals that Bolivia is preparing for a likely increase in dangerous weather events across the country.
While the decree does not yet detail specific measures, officials noted that it grants authorities the ability to mobilise resources and coordinate emergency services in regions most at risk from heavy rains or floods.
The announcement comes as other parts of the world brace for additional heat and rainfall associated with El Niño, and it marks an early step by Bolivia to protect its population and infrastructure from climate‑driven threats.