Boliva devastated by landslides and flooding- State of emergency, 50 dead

February 23, 2011 – BOLIVIA – At least 50 people have been killed and tens of thousands left homeless after torrential rains hit Bolivia. Spanish news agency EFE reported on Tuesday that the government has declared a state of emergency after flash floods and landslides swept through the country, caused by heavy rain that has continued since the beginning of the year. The downpour has caused river levels to rise, leaving some 20 highways underwater. Bolivia’s defense minister promised 20 million US dollars in emergency aid to use for reconstructing the affected areas and help. –Arirang