Heavy rain in Bolivia caused the Taquiña river to break its banks on 21 February, flooding areas of Tiquipaya in Cochabamba department.
Mud, rocks and flood debris swept through several streets of the town. Authorities said at 95 homes have been damaged, affecting over 300 people. The flooding was so severe at least 35 people took refuge on the roofs of houses, and were later rescued by helicopter. Residents of at least 50 homes have been evacuated. A further 300 homes are thought to be still at risk. No fatalities were reported but around 30 people have been treated for injuries.
The Deputy Minister of Civil Defense, Fernando Calderón Terán, said that food, mattresses, blankets and kitchen utensils have been delivered to affected families.
Work has also started on clearing the flood debris.
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.
Social Media
#Bolivia | Heavy rains hit the Tiquipaya region in Cochabamba while families denounced the abandonment of the de facto government. pic.twitter.com/Ifcu2YeFt6
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) February 22, 2020
Bolivia: State of Emergency declared in the Tiquipaya municipality, Cochabamba as heavy rains result in dangerous floods. Hundreds of families affected and many roadways are blocked due to mudslides. pic.twitter.com/d9qecRJQkM
— Camila (@camilateleSUR) February 22, 2020
Nos solidarizamos con las familias que sufren en #Tiquipaya, Cochabamba, y haremos todo para ayudar.
El Estado debe prevenir y actuar inmediatamente frente a los desastres que han provocado en Bolivia ya 17 muertos. ¡Nos duele! pic.twitter.com/tBTwyQf52s— Lucho Arce (@LuchoXBolivia) February 22, 2020
Drone footage shows flooding and muddied streets in Tiquipaya, a town in Bolivia, after heavy rains caused the Taquiña River to jump its banks https://t.co/GuMYlZZzha pic.twitter.com/IwTyPsxwrY
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 23, 2020
