Bolivia declares a nationwide state of emergency over El Niño

El Niño will have "very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods." Paz signed the decree Saturday to free up resources and send more rescue teams.

— Rodrigo Paz, Bolivian president

Drought in Bolivia

78,000 families hit by drought

Drought now affects 78,000 families in six of Bolivia's nine departments and has killed more than 75,000 cattle, according to a government report.

Why it matters

The World Meteorological Organization sees a near-certain El Niño through February 2027, and this one could be the strongest on record. Scientists predict it could cause more than 450,000 deaths worldwide.