The Order of Malta distributes relief items

At least 31 people died and over 7000 families have been affected by the torrential rains at the end of February which caused flooding and rivers to burst their banks in six of the nine departments of Bolivia: Cochabamba, La Paz, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Chuquisaca and Pando. Agriculture has also been severely damaged. The Bolivian government has declared a national emergency.

The Order of Malta’s Bolivian Association, in close coordination with the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Plurinational State of Bolivia, joined in rescue efforts by distributing emergency supplies.

Mattresses, blankets, water, rice, medical and hygiene kits, besides a tent to house 25 people, were delivered last Sunday in one of the most heavily hit areas of La Paz.

Nila Heredia Miranda, Minister of Health of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, attended the  consignment operation.