# Environmental emergencies in Bolivia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-emergencies-in-bolivia
> Updated: 2026-08-16T13:03:52.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Bolivia has faced escalating environmental crises characterized by forest fires and severe drought. In the Tarija region, a state of emergency was declared following massive forest fires in areas such as Serranía de Sama. The response involved the deployment of over 2,500 personnel, including the army and aerial units, to combat blazes driven by high winds. Authorities also detained two suspects for suspected arson.

Following these fires, the El Niño phenomenon has triggered widespread drought across six departments. At least 26 municipalities in Chuquisaca, Santa Cruz, and La Paz have declared states of emergency or red alerts due to declining water levels and impacts on agriculture and livestock. While authorities are monitoring reservoirs to ensure potable water supplies, meteorological warnings suggest a complex outlook with extreme temperatures and continued water scarcity in highland and valley regions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Bolivia drought triggers emergency in 26 municipalities

Drought caused by El Niño has triggered emergency declarations in 26 Bolivian municipalities, severely impacting crops, livestock, and water supplies across six departments.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-drought-triggers-emergency-in-26-municipalities

### 2026-07-20: Tarija, Bolivia declares emergency as forest fires devastate region

Tarija, Bolivia declares emergency as forest fires ravage thousands of hectares, prompting military and aerial response, police arrests of suspected arsonists, and a one‑week extension of school holidays.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivia-battles-simultaneous-wildfires-in-tarija-and-cochabamba

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Cite as: Environmental emergencies in Bolivia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-emergencies-in-bolivia