Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
29-02-2024
What happened, where and when?
On 27 February, the level of the Acre river in the department of Pando (bordering Brazil) exceeded 17 meters, surpassing its historical maximum and resulting in the flooding of 16 urban sectors and 3 rural communities (Bajo Acre, Bajo Virtudes and Velmonte) in the municipality of Cobija, capital of the department.
On 28 February, the Autonomous Municipal Government declared a disaster situation (Decree No. 06/2024) as a result of the floods that led to the displacement and loss of property and livelihood of at least 3,710 people.
Following the declaration of the Municipality of Cobija, the Departmental Government of Pando declared on 29 February the Flood Emergency (Decree No. 03/2024) in order to advance in the activation of the Emergency Operating Committees and implementation of contingency plans in view of the imminent risk of floods due to the unusual increase in the level of the rivers of the department, as well as the need to support the emergencies in the municipalities of Cobija and Santos Mercado.
Simultaneously, the National Government's Joint Command of Response to Adverse Events, in collaboration with the Amazon Strategic Operational Command and the Sixth Naval District "Pando," deployed 279 military personnel to engage in post-flood activities. These efforts aim to assist the population by cleaning houses and streets in the municipality.
According to the Vice-Ministry of Civil Defense, between November 2023 and March 2024, at least 60 individuals have lost their lives, and 238,151 families have been affected by the rains in 201 municipalities.
Flooding and overflow continued in the department of Cobija throughout March. After that time, the water levels of the rivers crossing the region, primarily the Acre River, decreased, allowing the population to gradually return to their homes and daily activities. However, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) continues to monitor the climatic situation, while national and local authorities are still supporting affected families with the reconstruction of damaged homes and schools, as well as the cleaning of streets and homes to address diseases resulting from contact with contaminated water and vectors.