Torrential rains that fell over much of Bolivia left 13 dead and a thousand families affected, according to official figures released on Sunday.
Juan Carlos Calvimontes, Deputy Minister of Civil Defense, told public radio and television that the situation in the department of Santa Cruz (east) was “very critical” due to the flooding of the Ichilo, Grande and Piraí. Their waters flooded inhabited areas and farmland used for grain and oilseed crops.
32 people to be evacuated
In the municipality of San Julián, 32 people, who cannot be reached, must be evacuated in the coming hours by air, added Juan Carlos Calvimontes.
The meteorological services have issued a warning against torrential rains in the departments of Potosí, Chuquisaca and Tarija in the south of the country. Television footage showed the swollen rivers in La Paz and Cochabamba.
