Bolivia snowfall affects 26,000 families and 323 communities

Extreme snowfall in western Bolivia has affected more than 26,000 families and 323 communities, with the Andean region of Potosí being the hardest hit. The Potosí Governorate has declared a regional emergency to facilitate aid.

In Uyuni, a key area for lithium reserves and tourism, over 8,000 families have been impacted. The weather has disrupted the tourism circuit in the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve, where emergency teams recently rescued stranded American and French tourists. The storm has also caused significant livestock losses, with approximately 750 animals dead and over 78,000 camélids, including llamas and alpacas, at risk.

In the Oruro department, authorities are investigating the death of a woman caused by a tree falling due to snow accumulation. In the Villazón area near the Argentine border, an estimated 85,000 head of cattle are at risk, and 55,000 hectares of grazing land have been affected.

Civil Defense has identified urgent needs including fodder, veterinary supplies, basic food, blankets, and heavy machinery to clear blocked highways. The snowfall has caused road closures and transportation disruptions across several departments, including La Paz, Oruro, Potosí, and Cochabamba.