[REVISION HISTORY]

Argentina & Bolivia: Severe storms, snow and climate crisis

42 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-28 12:11 UTC → 2026-10-31 18:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The severe weather pattern in Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia has escalated into a significant humanitarian and agricultural crisis. In Bolivia, extreme snowfall, heavy rains, and strong winds have affected over 82,000 families across six departments, with more than 20,000 people displaced. The Andean region of Potosí remains the hardest hit. Agricultural and livestock sectors face devastating losses. In Potosí, producers in Sud Lípez report that 50% to 60% of their livestock has been affected. In Oruro, the Turco municipality declared a natural disaster following the deaths of llamas, alpacas, and sheep, exacerbated by predator attacks from foxes and dogs. Nationally, approximately 209,143 head of livestock and nearly 28,800 hectares of crops have been impacted. Humanitarian efforts include the distribution of over 91 tons of food to thousands of families in Potosí. Emergency services have also conducted rescues for stranded tourists in the Uyuni area. Transportation disruptions persist at the Chile-Argentina border. ~~The Jama International Pass was closed preventively due to ice and snow, while~~ While the Los Libertadores crossing began resuming bidirectional operations on October 28, other passes face ongoing challenges. The Cristo Redentor pass ~~faced closures~~ experienced delays due to high mountain weather. By late October, the Cristo Redentor Integrated System moved to a controlled traffic scheme, permitting one-way transit from Chile to Argentina before scheduled bidirectional reopening. However, an avalanche on Route 60 near the ‘El Japonés’ shelter, though phased reopening plans were initiated. The Pehuenche International Pass remains ~~closed~~ closed, with ~~no estimated~~ reopening ~~time. Other passes, including Cardenal Samoré and Pino Hachado, have faced closures~~ postponed by approximately one week due to ~~whiteout conditions, ice,~~ avalanches and ~~accidents caused by slippery roads. Extreme cold continues to impact~~ heavy snow on the ~~high mountain regions.~~ Chilean side of Route 115-CH and closures on the Argentine Route 145. Additionally, the Agua Negra International Pass remains under safety evaluation, requiring joint analysis by both nations before transit can resume.

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