Bolivia – Evacautions and Rescues After Flash Floods in Cochabamba

Heavy rain in Bolivia caused the Taquiña river to break its banks on 21 February, flooding areas of Tiquipaya in Cochabamba department.

Flood damage in Tiquipaya, Cochabamba, Bolivia, February 2020. Photo: Government of Cochabamba

Mud, rocks and flood debris swept through several streets of the town. Authorities said at 95 homes have been damaged, affecting over 300 people. The flooding was so severe at least 35 people took refuge on the roofs of houses, and were later rescued by helicopter. Residents of at least 50 homes have been evacuated. A further 300 homes are thought to be still at risk. No fatalities were reported but around 30 people have been treated for injuries.

The Deputy Minister of Civil Defense, Fernando Calderón Terán, said that food, mattresses, blankets and kitchen utensils have been delivered to affected families.
Work has also started on clearing the flood debris.

Heavy rain has affected other areas of the department. The Bolivian Highway Administrator (ABC) reported on 24 February that traffic on the new Cochabamba – Santa Cruz highway was suspended due to continued landslides.

Governor of Cochabamba, Esther Soria, surveys the flood damage in Tiquipaya, Cochabamba, Bolivia, February 2020. Photo: Government of Cochabamba
debris clearance after the floods in Tiquipaya, Cochabamba, Bolivia, February 2020.  Photo: Government of Cochabamba

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