LatinNews Daily Report - 24 February 2012

Bolivia | Rains. On 22 February the government of President Evo Morales declared a state of emergency in response to flooding caused by heavy seasonal rains. Deputy Minister of Civil Defence Oscar Cabrera said yesterday (23 February) that 10,300 families have been affected across the country. At least nine deaths have been reported. The worst hit region is Pando, which borders Brazil, where the river Acre burst its bank. La Paz, Cochabamba and Beni have also been badly hit. Defence Minister Rubén Saavedra said the declaration of an emergency would allow local authorities to access special funds.