Deadly Flash Floods Hit Bolivia

As if the past year has not been crazy enough and filled with some of the most dangerous moments our world has seen, Bolivia has recently been struck with another tragedy. A little over a week ago, deadly flash floods followed by a heavy hailstorm hit the city of Sucre. What once were streets lined with markets and lively shoppers quickly became fast flowing rivers with floating trash. Four people were killed during these daunting storms, and the city is still recovering, as BBC News tells us. 

During the storm, trash filled over the city’s drains, making it near impossible for the water to go through, making the flood worse. The current of the water flowing through the streets was so strong, it was able to pull buses and cars through the streets. Over 10 people lost their cars, and even more street merchants lost their goods. Many people had to be treated for hypothermia, and four people lost their lives. 

While flash flooding is not an unusual event in this area, this one struck the town especially hard. Residents have gone on the record to say they wish town officials had done more. They tell reporters how floods are expected at this time of the year, and the city should have done more to keep up with the drainage system to ensure they would not become blocked like they did in this instance. Despite the disappointment and anger from his residents, President Luis Arce gave his condolences to those who lost family members. He uses Twitter to reach his community, by saying “Nos solidarizamos con las familias que sufren en #Tiquipaya, Cochabamba”, meaning he stands in solidarity with the families that have suffered.  In the foreseeable future, he may be speaking more on the matter because three children and three adults are still missing. 

For future storms, citizens can only hope the city does not yield the same disappointing results. Everyone is still trying to recover, and the city palpably needs improvement in its management skills.