Landslide devastates homes in La Paz after heavy rains

La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, recently experienced heavy rainfall following a prolonged drought, leading to significant destruction and the unfortunate displacement of residents. The torrential rain caused a river to overflow, triggering a landslide in a southwestern neighborhood known for its poorly constructed homes. This disaster struck on early Sunday, affecting dozens of families as mud and debris surged through the area, sweeping away properties and causing panic among the residents. Local authorities, including Bolivia's deputy civil defense minister Juan Carlos Calvimontes, reported that around two dozen homes were wrecked and an additional 40 homes were flooded as a result of the downpour. The disastrous situation was compounded by the missing 5-year-old girl whose family was caught in the chaos. Her father, Grover Mendoza, reported that his daughter was playing with cousins when the land and mud displaced by the rain engulfed the area. Rescuers worked tirelessly amid the dangerous conditions to search for the girl and assist those affected. Emergency personnel managed to pull out several residents who were suffering from hypothermia due to the harsh conditions, yet the emotional toll on families was immense as they looked for missing loved ones. Authorities revealed that the poor construction of homes in the affected areas significantly contributed to the risks associated with heavy rain and landslides. Iván Arias, the mayor of La Paz, condemned the illegal construction practices that had destabilized the hillside, making it vulnerable to such natural disasters. The president of Bolivia, Luis Arce, visited the disaster site to provide aid to the victims and announced that investigations would be launched to hold accountable those responsible for the unauthorized development that worsened the city's susceptibility to flood-related disasters. La Paz, nestled in a valley and surrounded by steep hills, faces a high risk of flooding and landslides, particularly during its rainy season, which has only commenced after suffering through one of the most severe droughts in recent years. This situation highlights the urgent need for better urban planning and construction practices in vulnerable neighborhoods to protect residents from future natural disasters.