Flood in Bolivia

Heavy rain has caused the Taquiña river to break its banks flooding areas of Tiquipaya in Cochabamba department, Bolivia.

Authorities have reported almsot 100 homes have been severely damaged affecting 300 people after debris was swept along with flood waters into residential areas. A further 300 homes are still at risk.

The Deputy Minister of Civil Defense, Fernando Calderón Terán, said that food, mattresses, blankets and kitchen utensils have been delivered to affected families.

Heavy rain has affected other areas of the department. The Bolivian Highway Administrator (ABC) reported on 24 February that traffic on the new Cochabamba – Santa Cruz highway was suspended due to continued landslides.

Work is ongoing to clean up the debris and provide relief to people evacuated. No fatalaties have been reported, although around 30 people have been treated for minor injuries.