Floods in Bolivia
Situation Report on the Floods in La Paz, Bolivia
Torrential rains accompanied by hail struck La Paz, Bolivia during the afternoon of 19 February with such intensity that in just 45 minutes, a large portion of the city was flooded. A rainstorm of this intensity had not struck the region since 1965 and took the population and local authorities by surprise.
At least 69 persons were killed and approximately 100 were injured, five of them seriously. Dozens of persons are reported missing.
The depth of the water reached two meters in low lying areas of La Paz. The force of the water in hilly areas swept away dozens of cars and public transportation vehicles, merchandise from stores and even homes and buildings, primarily in the most densely populated areas of the city.
Rescue personnel from the Armed Forces and police, fire departments and the Red Cross were mobilized to search for survivors. Heavy earthmoving equipment was brought in to clear streets and restore traffic on the city's principal arteries.
La Paz's emergency health system treated the injured and transported those requiring additional care to the Clínicas Hospital. Those suffering compound fractures and severe trauma received specialized medical care, while other less severely injured patients were treated and remain under observation.
General Freddy Vargas, Director of Bolivia's Civil Defense, reported that the affected population (the exact number remains unclear) are scattered throughout the city and shortly will be relocated to temporary shelters.
The Government of Bolivia is expected to issue an emergency declaration due to the heavy damages, which are estimated to reach US$10 million.
A call for international assistance has not been issued as of Wednesday, and health services in La Paz are handling the demand for health services.