Call to action: Bolivia must prepare for possible devastating earthquakes

An urgent call to preparedness and citizen awareness resonated in Bolivia following the recent 7.3 magnitude earthquake recorded in Chile, which was felt in several departments of the country. This event, although causing only minimal material damage, served as a reminder of Bolivia's vulnerability to natural events of great magnitude. The San Calixto Observatory has issued a clear warning: Bolivia is not prepared to face an earthquake of magnitude greater than 8.2, which could result in "serious damage" to key cities in the country. The lack of an emergency plan and a culture of prevention stands out as an evident weakness in Bolivian society, as experts point out. Mayra Nieto Canaviri, a geologist in the operations area of the observatory, has emphasized the importance of preparedness and the implementation of a family emergency plan in all Bolivian households. The geologist highlighted the calmness and effectiveness with which Chileans responded to the earthquake, emphasizing the need for citizens to be equally prepared to act in the event of a disaster. The impact of the earthquake in Chile, which caused cracks in buildings in La Paz after being felt at a great distance, serves as a reminder of the need to be alert and have preventive measures in place. Geologist Nieto has stressed that an earthquake of magnitude greater than 8.2 could trigger devastating consequences in Bolivia, where the infrastructure is not adequately prepared to withstand such a significant event. Calls to action are multiplying in various sectors of Bolivian society. The lack of preparedness for natural disasters such as earthquakes emerges as a looming risk that demands a prompt response from authorities and citizens. Awareness of the importance of prevention and preparedness is crucial to reduce the impact of future seismic events. The need to implement a national emergency plan is becoming increasingly evident, with the goal of safeguarding lives and minimizing damage in the event of a major earthquake. The recent experience in Chile and Bolivia's geographical proximity to seismic zones highlight the urgency of having solid and effective preventive measures in place. Bolivia's vulnerability to natural events of great magnitude is a topic that cannot be ignored. Preparedness and citizen awareness are fundamental pillars to strengthen the country's resilience to potential disasters. The call to action is clear: it is necessary to act now to protect the future of generations to come. Coordination between governmental entities, civil society organizations, and the general population emerges as a key factor in building a culture of prevention and preparedness. The responsibility of all involved actors is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of society in times of crisis. In the face of uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a major earthquake in Bolivia, preparedness and planning stand as indispensable tools to mitigate the impact of a potential disaster. Awareness of seismic risks and the adoption of preventive measures are fundamental steps on the path towards greater resilience and security for all Bolivians.