Heavy snowfall in western Bolivia has affected 26,220 families and 323 communities, primarily impacting the Andean region of Potosí, reported Deputy Minister of Civil Defense Roberto Rivero on Wednesday.
According to a preliminary assessment, the city of Uyuni, home to the Salar de Uyuni salt flat and the country’s main lithium reserve, has reported 8,364 affected families and 2,350 displaced individuals. The livestock sector is facing severe consequences, with 78,755 camelids affected and 750 animals killed.
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Chile Declares Preventive Emergency Over Severe Northern Weather Front
The weather event disrupted the tourist circuit and the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, located at an altitude of over 4,200 meters. Last week, police and firefighters rescued three Americans trapped for more than 30 hours in Laguna Colorada, while on Sunday the army assisted two French citizens in Quetena.
In Villazón, on the border with Argentina, 85,000 head of cattle are at risk and 55,000 hectares of pastureland have been affected. Likewise, the municipalities of Atocha and Llallagua have reported 7,433 affected families and 73 communities, according to the official report.
To mitigate the crisis, Civil Defense detailed that the urgent needs are “fodder for livestock, vitamins and veterinary supplies, basic food supplies, heavy machinery to rehabilitate roads, blankets, and support for the recovery of productive infrastructure.” In response, the Potosí Governorate declared a regional emergency to activate assistance mechanisms.
Siguen las precipitaciones en el tercio sur de la sierra. Fundamentalmente sólidas.
Todavía hay riesgo de lloviznas/lluvias en la mitad sur de la costa. Mientras más al sur mayor.#Bolivia y el norte de #Chile igualmente pic.twitter.com/2GCyj1xuhX— Abraham Levy (@hombredeltiempo) August 17, 2026
The text reads, “Precipitation continues in the southern third of the sierra. Mostly solid.
There is still a risk of drizzle/rain in the southern half of the coast. The further south, the greater. Bolivia and the north of #Chile as well”
The national government reported that it is investigating the death of a woman who was killed by a falling tree due to snowfall in the Andean region of Oruro. In terms of road traffic, snowfall forced the temporary suspension and restriction of land travel on some sections to prevent accidents.
The Bolivian Highway Authority (ABC) reported that the route between Urujara and La Cumbre, a passage to Los Yungas, in La Paz, remains closed.
Similarly, the ABC confirmed the loss of roadbed on the Unduavi-Chulumani road. Given the risks, the agency urged users to respect the restrictions, reduce speed, and take all necessary precautions when traveling through the affected areas.
Bolivia’s fuel crisis is deepening.
Heavy transport unions have declared a national emergency due to diesel shortages and rising prices, warning that higher fuel costs could push up food prices and the cost of living.
Now, farmers and social organizations are joining the… pic.twitter.com/AkLs4Yasl7
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) August 19, 2026
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