Floods kill 7 in Bolivia

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in the Santa Cruz region of eastern Bolivia. At least seven people have been killed and at least 20 are still missing, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday (December 15). Heavy rains on Friday and Saturday caused a river dam to break, destroying government buildings and at least two bridges. The river’s waters rose and flooded nearby areas. Many homes were submerged and hundreds of people are still trapped in the water.
Emergency rescuers are currently working in the affected areas. Cattle have been trapped in the floodwaters, as well as many trees. At least 600 families have been affected by the floods. In the meantime, considering the severity of the floods, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has set up a crisis center at the government palace and is personally monitoring the situation.