# Venezuela floods and bridge collapses

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-floods-and-bridge-collapse
> Updated: 2026-08-21T22:33:13.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 3.

Intense rainfall across central-western Venezuela triggered a series of flood-related emergencies. On 2 August, the Autopista Centroccidental Cimarrón Andresote bridge in Yaracuy collapsed after swollen waters eroded its supports, prompting authorities to close the crossing, reroute traffic and begin emergency repairs. At the same time, rising rivers in Barinas inundated roads and isolated rural communities, leading to the deployment of civil-protection teams, fire services and regional officials to monitor water levels, distribute food and restore utilities.

Two days later, the deluge continued, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,000 families. In Lara’s Urdaneta municipality, the Urama stream overflowed, cutting off the main road and requiring medical evacuations on a tractor. In Barinas, the Caparo River and its tributaries surged, prompting humanitarian teams, the National Armed Forces and police to deliver food, water, medicines and medical consultations to over 2,000 people. Authorities indicated that relief operations would persist while the rains remain active.

By late August, Tropical Wave No. 40 brought further widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, particularly in the Greater Caracas area. The overflow of the Valle River flooded the Valle-Coche highway and caused water to enter several Metro de Caracas stations, including Coche and La Rinconada. Additionally, in Aragua state, the El Pao bridge on highway 11 collapsed, which local officials suggested was caused by an overweight vehicle. In response, President Delcy Rodríguez ordered the activation of the National Civil Protection System to coordinate emergency responses. To restore transit at the El Pao site, a war bridge is being transported from La Guaira, while opposition leaders have called for political unity to assist in recovery efforts.

## Claims

- The Valle River overflowed, flooding the Valle-Coche highway and trapping several vehicles. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Water entered the Coche and La Rinconada Metro stations. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- President Delcy Rodríguez ordered the activation of the National Civil Protection System to address rain damage. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The heavy rains are associated with the passage of Tropical Wave No. 40. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Flooding occurred on the Panamericana highway at the Las Minas sector. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The collapse of the El Pao bridge was caused by excessive weight from a heavy vehicle. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A war bridge is being transported from La Guaira to repair the El Pao bridge. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Opposition leaders called for political unity to address the El Pao bridge emergency. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Venezuela faces severe flooding and infrastructure damage from Tropical Wave 40

Tropical Wave No. 40 has caused severe flooding in Caracas and Miranda, overflowing rivers and trapping vehicles. Authorities have activated emergency systems to manage infrastructure damage and road closures.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bridge-collapses-connecting-aragua-and-gurico-states-in-venezuela

### 2026-08-04: Venezuelan floods force evacuation of over 1,000 families

Heavy rains in Venezuela flooded the Urama stream in Lara, isolating 1,000 families and forcing patient transport by tractor, while in Barinas the Caparo River overflow prompted aid for 2,000 people from 500 f​

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-floods-force-evacuation-of-over-1000-families

### 2026-08-02: Yaracuy Bridge Collapses as Heavy Rains Flood Barinas, Venezuela

Heavy rains in central‑western Venezuela collapsed a bridge in Yaracuy and flooded roads in Barinas, prompting road closures, traffic diversions and emergency aid for affected communities.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yaracuy-bridge-collapses-as-heavy-rains-flood-barinas-venezuela

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Cite as: Venezuela floods and bridge collapses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-floods-and-bridge-collapse