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After weeks of rain, entire slopes could no longer support their own weight - Photo: F. Espinoza |
Several
weeks of heavy rain have caused massive landslides in Bolivia. While
few casualties or injuries have been reported, some 400 homes total were
razed by the avalanches of heavy mud and detritus in several
residential areas of the capital La Paz. Estimates suggest that some
5000 people may now be home- and pennyless.
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Whole neighbourhoods were wiped out; the full extent of damages is unclear - Photo: F. Espinoza |
A
preliminary report on the situation revealed that no children supported
by SOS Children's Villages' programmes or their families were injured.
However, three of the SOS community centres in the areas of Valle de las
Flores, Kupini Second, and Jokoni have reported damages.
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SOS Children's Villages is preparing measures to ensure the safety of children and their families - Photo: F. Espinoza |
The
exact extent of damages is still being assessed, but preparations for a
detailed plan of emergency relief measures are under way. It is clear,
however, that an early intervention is crucial in situations like these
to ensure that children and their families are not affected by
malnutrition or exposure. For several days now, SOS Children's Villages
has been working closely with government agencies and NGOs that address
children's issues to ensure that affected children are identified and
given adequate care as soon as possible.