©Reuters/David Mercado
Bolivia President Evo Morales declared a state of emergency on Tuesday to assist victims of the country's deadly rainy season, which has claimed 41 lives and left 20,000 people homeless according to provisional figures, AFP reports. Morales' office issued the declaration in a move which will mobilize funds, resources and troops to help those worst affected over the five-month period. On Saturday, torrential rain triggered a landslide in the town of Rurrenabaque, a popular tourist spot north of La Paz, killing 10 people. The government has not realeased official toll totals for the rain-related deaths. But local media have tallied 41 dead this season. In Morales' home region of Chapare, authorities said 11 rivers have burst their banks this week alone. Bolivia's rainy season spans five months, starting in late September.
Bolivia President Evo Morales declared a state of emergency on Tuesday to assist victims of the country's deadly rainy season, which has claimed 41 lives and left 20,000 people homeless according to provisional figures, AFP reports.
Morales' office issued the declaration in a move which will mobilize funds, resources and troops to help those worst affected over the five-month period.
On Saturday, torrential rain triggered a landslide in the town of Rurrenabaque, a popular tourist spot north of La Paz, killing 10 people.
The government has not realeased official toll totals for the rain-related deaths. But local media have tallied 41 dead this season.
In Morales' home region of Chapare, authorities said 11 rivers have burst their banks this week alone.
Bolivia's rainy season spans five months, starting in late September.