As the world grapples with the repercussions of climate change, Bolivia has taken decisive action in response to the looming threat of the El Niño weather phenomenon. President Rodrigo Paz’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency underscores the gravity of the situation, as increasing droughts and the potential for devastating floods strain the nation’s resources and impact thousands of families across the country. By mobilizing emergency services and coordinating national efforts, Bolivia aims to mitigate the far-reaching effects of this natural event, which is predicted to peak in late 2026.
Bolivia has declared a nationwide state of emergency to mobilize resources for addressing the severe impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon. As a proactive measure, President Rodrigo Paz signed a decree that also facilitates the deployment of rescue teams to areas that have been heavily affected by both flooding and drought.
El Niño is anticipated to bring “very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods,” according to President Paz, highlighting the need for comprehensive cooperation among all national institutions. This climatic event has already begun to affect 78,000 families across six of Bolivia’s nine departments and has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 75,000 cattle, according to a recent government report.
The dual threat of drought and flooding is not new to Bolivia; the country is another victim of climate extremes, with flooding in the Santa Cruz region claiming dozens of lives in December 2025. In stark contrast, neighboring Chile’s capital, Santiago, recently recorded its rainiest October on record, while wildfires in Peru claimed at least 12 lives last month, illustrating the diverse and severe weather experiences across the region.
El Niño, a significant global climate phenomenon occurring roughly every two to seven years, significantly alters weather patterns due to warming in the Pacific Ocean. While its intensity varies and its geographical impacts change, scientists have warned that the current cycle could be the most powerful on record, with a peak expected at the end of 2026 that could extend its effects into 2027.
The World Meteorological Organization reported in early September a nearly 100 percent likelihood that El Niño conditions will persist through February 2027. With such predictions in mind, scientists estimate that this phenomenon could result in over 450,000 deaths globally, disproportionately affecting the poorest countries that often lack the resources to effectively respond.
The actions taken by Bolivia reflect a crucial step in addressing these challenges and highlight the importance of solidarity and preparedness in the face of climate adversities.
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