BACKGROUND

Located in the heart of South America, Bolivia faces increasing disaster risks due to its diverse geography, climate variability, and socio-economic challenges, making anticipatory action a growing necessity.  It is exposed to a range of natural hazards including floods, droughts, landslides, and frost events.

Flooding is a recurrent threat, particularly during the rainy season from November to March. Lowland areas in the Amazon basin, such as Beni and Pando departments, are especially vulnerable. These floods often damage homes, displace communities, and disrupt agriculture and transportation. In highland regions, rapid urban growth in cities like La Paz has heightened the risk of flash floods due to poor drainage and unplanned settlements.

Droughts are another major hazard, especially in the semi-arid Chaco and Altiplano regions, where water scarcity affects crop yields, livestock, and food security. Climate change is expected to intensify these events, increasing unpredictability and pressure on already vulnerable rural communities.

Landslides, often triggered by intense rainfall or seismic activity, are a persistent danger in mountainous regions. Deforestation and unstable construction practices further increase exposure.

Given limited early warning coverage and preparedness, anticipatory action—such as better forecasting, risk-informed planning, and localized response strategies—is vital to minimize disaster impacts and enhance community resilience across Bolivia.

For a data-driven overview of Bolivia's risk profile, refer to the INFORM Risk Index. 

HAZARDS COVERED BY ANTICIPATION    

Drought

Riverine flood

ACTIVATIONS 

2024: Riverine flood