Bolivia floods: 7 dead, 20 missing

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in the Santa Cruz region of eastern Bolivia, South America. At least seven people have died and at least 20 are still missing.

China's state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday (December 15) that heavy rains on Friday and Saturday caused a river embankment to burst. As a result, government buildings and at least two bridges were destroyed, surrounding areas were flooded and many houses were submerged. More than a hundred people are still trapped in the water.

Emergency rescuers are currently working in the affected areas. Cattle have been trapped in the floodwaters, trees have been uprooted, and at least 600 families have been affected.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has set up a crisis center at the government palace to monitor the situation and is personally supervising the activities.