One year after the event, the count of deceased in the Cochabamba region rose to five following a flood in a popular tourist canyon. The recovery of the body of one of the two missing women occurred on Monday, reported by Cochabamba Police division commander Jorge Ríos. He stated that the Bolivian Police Special Rescue Brigade, along with the Rescue and Assistance Team, located the body this morning as part of ongoing search and rescue operations.
The incident took place at the Tuta Wallpa canyon, a well-known attraction within the Tablas Monte community in Cochabamba’s subtropical zone. On the preceding Saturday, a group of visitors and guides had entered the area for boating activities when the flood struck.
By Sunday, authorities confirmed four deaths, four injuries, and two missing individuals. The State Attorney General’s Office announced the launch of an ex officio investigation into the tragedy, which claimed five lives—three women and two men among the tourists who were part of a local tour group.
Public Ministry officials described the case as the subject of a preliminary inquiry into possible intentional homicide by those responsible for the incident. Cochabamba regional prosecutors indicated that a team from the Institute of Forensic Investigations and the Colomi municipality prosecutor, where Tuta Wallpa is located, were at the scene. In addition, volunteers, the Bolivian Air Force Rescue and Recovery unit, and Bersa joined the search with the help of dogs, drones, local community members, and others continuing the search for a missing tourist.
Initial investigations indicated that ten tourists and three guides from a local agency entered the canyon for extreme activities and were overcome by the flood, according to the responsible prosecutor. Autopsies conducted by the Institute of Forensic Investigations on the first four victims showed deaths caused by mechanical asphyxiation due to immersion in water, while the fifth body was transported to Cochabamba on the same day for examination.
Officials added that, alongside the flood in Tablas Monte, the Pirai River also rose in the eastern Santa Cruz region after heavy rainfall. In the same period, La Guardia reported eleven people trapped in a Santa Cruz municipality, all of whom were rescued unharmed. Heavy rains also caused a river to swell in the Caranavi municipality of the Los Yungas area in La Paz, with no missing persons reported there, though property damage was noted.
Emergency authorities stressed the importance of safety protocols for adventure activities and ongoing coordination among local emergency services to manage the aftermath. The public update underscores the complexity of the incident, with multiple agencies working together to assess the cause of the flood, secure the canyon, and support families affected by the tragedy. The investigation continues as investigators gather forensic evidence and statements from witnesses to determine the precise sequence of events and accountability for the losses.
As investigations progress, officials reiterate the need for rigorous risk assessments and weather monitoring for canyon excursions. Rescue teams remain on standby to respond to any new developments, with community cooperation continuing to be a critical factor in locating the remaining missing individuals and ensuring comprehensive accountability for the incident. These efforts reflect a broad, multi-agency approach to a difficult natural disaster in a region known for its rugged terrain and evolving climate conditions. The public is advised to stay updated through official channels as new findings emerge, and to exercise caution when participating in river and canyon activities in the area. For the local population, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers posed by sudden floods and the necessity of robust safety measures for tourism operators in mountain environments. This ongoing case remains a focal point for regional authorities, who are pursuing all legal avenues in parallel with rescue operations and victim support. This summary is based on statements from the Cochabamba regional prosecutor’s office and associated public safety agencies, with ongoing reporting from the scene and the ministry’s investigative units. Attribution: Official statements issued by local authorities and responding agencies.