Landslide Rocks Bolivian Capital

800 families homeless; 5,000 people affected in La Paz disaster
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 28, 2011 8:01 AM CST
Landslide Rocks Bolivia's Capital, La Paz
People carry their belongings next to a damaged road after a landslide in La Paz, Bolivia, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011.   (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Some 800 families were left homeless after Bolivia’s capital was hit with a “mega-mudslide” yesterday, CNN reports. No deaths or injuries were reported in the La Paz disaster, which was prompted by heavy rains. "So far we are talking about 5,000 (people) affected," said a city spokesman last night, adding that earth was still moving downhill in the worst landslide the city has suffered, reports the AP.

Government ministers held an emergency meeting last night, assessing damage and labeling the affected area an emergency zone. “Many of you have lost the homes that you spent so much time and effort building, and I want to tell you that we are not going to abandon you,” said the vice president. (More landslide stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X