Bolivia (La Paz): Potatoes, barley and quinoa are lost due to the overflow of the river in Pucarani

Several hectares of food production were left under water due to the overflow of a river. This event occurred in the Cohachijo community, in the municipality of Pucarani in La Paz.

"We have lost many things. Potatoes, barley, quinoa, we have lost. It is regrettable what has happened to us," said Miguel Valencia, one of the residents.

In light of this natural event, Valencia is asking for help from the departmental authorities to reestablish the crops that were affected.

"We are asking for machinery, we need potato seeds, oats, alfalfa, and other production that has been lost," he added.

The river water also reached the homes of the community, affecting farming families.

In relation to these weather events, the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense reported that there is a probability of flooding in five departments of the country.

"Senamhi has issued a hydrological alert until February 9, with a probability of flooding in five departments, namely La Paz, Oruro, Santa Cruz, Beni and Cochabamba," the authority said.

The authorities also provided a global report on the affected departments and municipalities declared in a state of emergency due to heavy rains, floods and other natural events.

“To date, there are eight departments affected, only one department has declared a state of emergency, it is La Paz. There are 19 municipalities declared in disaster, 77 municipalities affected, we have 1,129 communities affected, we have 77,864 families affected, 25,022 families affected, 501 homes affected, 324 homes destroyed and 20 people dead,” he explained.