Torrential rains and flooding Bolivia claimed 20 lives - rescue teams race to reach isolated areas
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SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia — December 15, 2025
Torrential rains over the weekend since December 12 is reported to have triggered flash floods in Bolivia’s eastern Santa Cruz region, killing at least 20 people and leaving dozens missing.
According to Deputy Civil Defence Minister Alfredo Troche, the River Pirai overflowed after intense rainfall, inundating homes, sweeping away vehicles, and collapsing bridges.
Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas.
“We unfortunately have 16 more confirmed bodies, bringing the total to 20. And we have two dozen missing,” Troche told Bolivia TV on Monday, according to several media reports.
Meteorologists say the floods occurred in parts due to the combined effects of El Niño and La Niña, which have intensified rainfall across the Amazon basin.
President Paz also pointed to deforestation and poor land management, noting Bolivia lost 10.4 million hectares to fire in 2014, weakening natural flood defences.
Read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Bolivia_floods
https://humanonline.org/news/santa-cruz-floods-in-bolivia-kill-20-dozens-missing-rescue-continues
https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/a-subtle-return-of-la-nina/