Flooding and Landslides in Bolivia

Prolonged heavy rains during January and early February 2006 led to flooding and landslides in many parts of Bolivia. Reports show that 22,000 families throughout the country were affected, including 3,000 families from Santa Cruz who were forced to stay in temporary shelters or with family. Crop losses are estimated to be $6.4 million dollars. In some areas, the torrential rains washed away roads and caused existing rivers to change their course.

CRS Responds

CRS worked with partners in both Bolivia and Brazil to conduct assessments and committed $10,000 for the initial response, plus an additional $105,000 in CRS and Swiss Development Corporation funds (via the United Nations Development Program) to respond to immediate needs in sanitation. On the ground in affected areas of Bolivia, CRS local and regional staff talked with affected families and implemented response activities together.

Using funds from a grant received from the United Nations Development Program, CRS Bolivia has been working with local partner Caritas Ñuflo de Chavez to construct sanitation facilities for the 1,500 families from Santa Cruz who have been living in temporary shelters. In addition to building latrines, showers, laundry basins and trash bins, the project also included community organizing and training on proper sanitation and maintenance for the facilities.

CRS History in the Region

CRS has been working in Bolivia since 1955 responding to emergencies as well as to the country's social and political challenges.