President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree on 31 October 2026, enabling resource mobilization and additional rescue-team deployments, with coordination among national and regional authorities, the armed forces and police.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed Supreme Decree 5759 on 31 October 2026, declaring a national emergency over drought and adverse events associated with El Niño 2026–2027. The declaration enables authorities to mobilize resources and deploy additional rescue teams, while calling for national and regional authorities, the armed forces and police to coordinate their response.
The decree identifies existing drought in the Altiplano, the valleys and the Chaco. El Niño is a warming of Pacific Ocean waters that changes weather patterns, potentially bringing drought to some regions and heavy rain to others. Paz said the phenomenon would have very severe drought and flood impacts and require cooperation across institutions.
Government figures published by El Deber cover 1 June through 29 October 2026. The assessment distinguishes families whose activities and living conditions were affected from another group that suffered direct losses, such as crops, animals or livelihoods.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Families affected | 78,217 |
| Additional families suffering direct losses | 35,831 |
| Total families recorded | 114,048 |
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| 75,013 |
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said water shortages affect drinking-water needs, crops, livestock and families dependent on farming.
DW and Al Jazeera described the government figures as about 78,000 affected families and more than 75,000 cattle lost. Their geographic accounts differ: DW gives 7 affected departments, while Al Jazeera gives 6. The detailed government tally also gives the latter count, covering 63 municipalities.
The National Council for Risk Reduction and Disaster and Emergency Response, known as CONARADE, recommended the declaration through Resolution 014/2026 on 30 October 2026. The decree cites Article 39 of Risk Management Law 602: a national emergency applies when an actual or imminent event exceeds affected departmental governments’ financial or technical capacity. It triggers coordinated intervention procedures across central, departmental and municipal authorities.
Justiniano said each ministry would contribute within its responsibilities. Civil Defense would coordinate risk management and response, supported by the armed forces when appropriate.
Authorities have warned of possible flooding, flash floods and landslides as the rainy season begins. Justiniano stressed that forecasts are warnings to help authorities prepare, not predictions that every listed disaster will occur.
Financing mechanisms for additional resources are still being developed and must complete the necessary procedures, Justiniano said. He identified the immediate tasks as locating the highest-risk communities, updating contingency plans, organizing available response capabilities and preparing assistance residents may need.
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