Bolivia declares state of emergency to address 'Super-El Nino', economic crisis

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a national state of emergency on not over the 'Super-El Niño' weather phenomenon, but to address a severe 50-day blockade and economic crisis that paralyzed the country's roads and food distribution.

He instructed the authorities to preserve the environment and ensure that the impact of the Super-Nino this year is as minimal as possible. Over six to nine weeks of intense protests, road blockades, and labor strikes choked supplies, created acute fuel shortages, and left hospitals running low on oxygen.

In a televised address, the President ordered officials to clear national roads and restore order, authorizing the deployment of the military and police to intervene.