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21 February 2002 At least 70 people were killed and dozens injured in the Bolivian capital, La Paz, when heavy rains and a hailstorm that lasted 50 minutes, caused the worst floods in decades on February 19. The Bolivian Red Cross, which has begun relief efforts, say there are still many people missing. Buildings have collapsed and torrents of water, raging through the streets, have ripped up road surfaces and brick walls. La Paz's main street was flooded after the Choqueapu river burst its banks and flooded the underground station underneath. The Government has declared a state of emergency in the department of La Paz. Access to the worst hit area, "Rio Abajo", a zone of narrow valleys, is difficult after two bridges were washed away. The Bolivian Red Cross, a member of a departmental emergency committee created to handle the disaster and operational from 10.am on 20th February, activated 30 volunteers of the La Paz branch immediately. Red Cross help has focused largely on rescue efforts and first aid. A group of people trapped in the station of el Prado were among those rescued by the Bolivian Red Cross. It has also put up tents and a food kitchen as well as providing water extraction pumps to help those with flooded homes. "The response by the Bolivian Red Cross was very fast. The volunteers have been working day and night to rescue people and provide assistance to them," said Luis Luna, International Federation programme coordinator for South America. "We have been working hard to build on improving response mechanisms in the region and it's been good to see the results." |
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