Rainy season leaves 39 dead, over 161,000 families affected in Bolivia

LA PAZ, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Severe flooding caused by heavy rains in Bolivia since November has left at least 39 people dead, seven others missing, and more than 161,000 families impacted, authorities said Wednesday.

Deputy Minister of Civil Defense Juan Carlos Calvimontes warned that the death toll could rise due to continued heavy rains, despite ongoing rescue operations by air, land and river.

Currently, 34 municipalities, mostly in the La Paz Department, have declared a state of disaster.

Bolivia's weather service issued an orange-level flood alert through March 14, warning of potential flooding as rains continue. ■