Flooding in Bolivia’s eastern Santa Cruz region has killed at least 20 people after an overflowing river swept through multiple communities, authorities said on Monday, with the toll expected to increase as rescue teams reach areas that were previously inaccessible.
Deputy Civil Defence Minister Alfredo Troche said at least two dozen people are still missing, while hundreds of families have been displaced following several days of heavy rainfall. Speaking to state broadcaster Bolivia TV, Troche said 16 additional bodies had been recovered, bringing the confirmed number of fatalities to 20.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by damaged infrastructure. Authorities said at least 300 people have been evacuated by helicopter, while around 2,100 families have been affected in communities along the Pirai River. Heavy rains began early on Saturday, according to the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service.
Authorities said weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, which could assist rescue operations as water levels recede. Meteorologists have warned that the combined effects of El Niño and La Niña are contributing to heavier rainfall across the Amazon basin.
President Rodrigo Paz, who took office last month, met with cabinet members and scientific advisers on Sunday to assess the situation.
He criticised previous administrations for leaving the country inadequately prepared for emergencies and said decades of deforestation had intensified the impact of flooding, noting that Bolivia lost 10.4 million hectares to fires in 2014 during its worst wildfire crisis on record.
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Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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