Bolivia Floods Devastate Santa Cruz: Death Toll Rises to 20, Two Dozen Missing, Hundreds Displaced

Published on December 16, 2025

The eastern region of Bolivia, particularly the Santa Cruz area, is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding caused by an overflowing river. The death toll has now reached 20, with at least two dozen more individuals still unaccounted for as rescue teams struggle to reach isolated communities. The heavy rains, which began early on December 13, have left thousands in urgent need of aid, with hundreds of families left homeless and displaced. The situation remains dire as rescue efforts continue.

Deputy Civil Defense Minister Alfredo Troche confirmed on Monday that the number of fatalities has risen, while also reporting that more than 300 individuals have been rescued by helicopter. These people were trapped in the most affected zones, especially around the River Pirai, which burst its banks and swept through nearby areas.

Rescue Operations Underway in Santa Cruz as Weather Conditions Improve

As authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage, weather conditions are beginning to improve, offering some hope to rescue teams on the ground. According to the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service, the rains that have plagued the region for several days are expected to subside, aiding in both the rescue and recovery efforts.

The situation remains fluid, however, as several communities remain cut off from the rest of the country, awaiting access to essential supplies and medical assistance. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, using helicopters to airlift stranded survivors, while heavy machinery is being used to clear debris and restore access to critical routes.

Despite the temporary break in the rains, the combined effects of El Nino and La Nina weather patterns are still causing unpredictable weather across the Amazon basin. Meteorologists have warned that these patterns could lead to further storms and flooding in the coming weeks, heightening the risk for Bolivia’s flood-stricken regions.

Santa Cruz Communities Devastated by Floods and Widespread Destruction

The scenes of destruction are heartbreaking. Survivors of the floods have been sharing their harrowing experiences. Saturnina Quispe, a survivor, described her ordeal of being trapped for hours, only to be rescued by neighbors after shouting for help. “I kept shouting until they heard me,” she recalled, still visibly shaken by the ordeal. Many other residents, like Saturnina, have been left with nothing, their homes completely submerged, and their livelihoods wiped out in a matter of hours.

In addition to the physical damage caused by the floods, infrastructure has been severely affected. Video footage has shown entire river bridges collapsing under the force of the floodwaters. Authorities are working to restore vital roadways and bridges that were destroyed, though efforts are still in the early stages.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Addresses the Crisis: Criticizes Past Inaction

In response to the ongoing disaster, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz convened a meeting with experts, cabinet members, and scientists to discuss the situation. During the meeting, he expressed his frustration with the state of Bolivia’s preparedness for natural disasters, criticizing previous administrations for failing to allocate sufficient resources to deal with emergencies.

Paz also pointed to Bolivia’s worsening environmental situation as a key factor in exacerbating the floods. The country has suffered from rampant deforestation, particularly since the 2014 wildfire crisis, which saw over 10 million hectares of land burned. “This is not over; it’s just beginning,” President Paz stated in an address to the public, urging his government to take swift action to prevent further environmental degradation.

As floodwaters recede, attention is now turning to the long-term recovery process. President Paz has promised to mobilize national and local resources to support affected communities and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is rebuilt. However, the economic and environmental toll of the disaster is expected to be felt for years to come.

El Nino and La Nina Weather Patterns Linked to Rising Flooding in the Amazon Basin

Meteorologists have pointed out that the combination of El Nino and La Nina weather patterns has been intensifying the rainfall in the Amazon basin, which includes Bolivia. These weather phenomena are creating extreme weather events, including prolonged periods of heavy rain and subsequent flooding in several South American countries.

Experts have warned that the current weather patterns could lead to more intense floods across the region, and Bolivia may experience additional downpours in the coming weeks. These unpredictable weather patterns pose a significant challenge to both the government and the humanitarian organizations working on the ground.

Ongoing Crisis and Global Call for Support

The international community has responded with messages of solidarity for the people of Bolivia. Humanitarian aid is already being sent to the region, and international organizations are working alongside local authorities to provide immediate relief. However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local capabilities, and continued assistance will be essential for the recovery process.

The tragedy in Santa Cruz serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in disaster-prone regions, particularly in the face of changing climate patterns and deforestation. While Bolivia’s government faces significant challenges, the hope remains that swift action will prevent further loss of life and begin the long road to recovery for the affected families.