Floods and landslides hit Bolivia, causing widespread destruction

At least eight people lost their lives as heavy rains continue to lash parts of Bolivia, civil defense authorities confirmed on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. The severe weather also triggered floods and landslides, causing widespread destruction.

250 families have been affected across the departments of La Paz, Santa Cruz, Potosi, Beni, Cochabamba, and Tarija, according to the media.

Rivers in affected areas overflowed, causing destructive floods. Furthermore, landslides razed at least 50 houses. Residents hurried to their ruined homes afterward, scouring for their belongings.

In the La Paz department, 12 homes were destroyed after a river burst its banks. The government has since provided food and relief supplies to the affected households. Moreover, flooding has caused damage to a bridge in Mecapaca.

In Tarija, the town of Villamontes recorded 206.1 mm (8.1 inches) in a 24-hour period into February 10.

A red alert for river flooding was issued by Bolivia's meteorological agency in the departments of Cochabamba and Beni, warning that the water levels of Isiboro and Ichoa were rapidly increasing.

Heavy rains battering the country since mid-January prompted three municipalities in La Paz to declare a state of emergency. 

Heavy rains also struck the neighboring country of Peru in late January, which resulted in swollen rivers, landslides, and widespread flooding.

Julie Celestial

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