Heavy downpour in Santa Cruz de la Sierra leaves flooding and fallen trees

This Sunday, December 8, Santa Cruz de la Sierra woke up under intense rains that generated multiple problems in the municipality, including difficulties in pedestrian and vehicular circulation, a marked reduction in public transportation and numerous flooded streets and homes.

According to Mary Luz Farfán, director of the Risk and Emergency Management Directorate of the Municipal Autonomous Government, Precipitation reached 30 mm, with a humidity of 99%. Fortunately, The winds did not exceed 30 km/h in the morning shift, minimizing further damage.

Among the reported incidents, two stand out Trees down due to root softening in District 11specifically near Blacutt Square and another near Avaroa Square.

Besides, The G77 area, between the eighth and ninth ring, was the most affectedwith floods that forced a family to evacuate and carry out drainage work in a home.

Also attended to was emergency request due to a gas leak in the kitchen of the Municipal Zooa situation that was promptly controlled by zoo officials and then by DGREM.

Farfán warned that The rains will continue during the night and on Monday, although they will be of lower intensity, with accumulated amounts of just 3 mm.. However, winds are expected to increase up to 50 km/h, which could create new risks, especially in combination with high humidity that weakens natural structures such as trees.

Recommendations for citizens

The director emphasized, as main recommendations, the importance of avoid parking vehicles under trees, check the safety of walls and structures at home, and stay away from loose electrical wiresas these represent a potential danger.

“Water is a conductor of electricity and since they have been stealing cables, there may be incidents or cases of people being electrocuted“said Farfán, recommending that the population stay away from these and report any case to the Rural Electrification Cooperative (CRE).

In addition, urged the population to collaborate by avoiding the accumulation of garbage in channels and grateswhich worsens flooding.

“If it is not necessary, it is better not to go out during the rains. Water not only causes material damage, such as vehicles, but is also conductor of electricity, which increases the risk of incidents due to exposed cables,” Farfán pointed out.

The Risk and Emergency Management team continues to carry out care and evaluation operations during the 24 hours, attending to emergencies reported through its enabled lines.