Death toll rises from Bolivian storm

Entire streets were destroyed

The death toll from a devastating storm in the Bolivian capital of La Paz has risen to at least 69 people.

The authorities warned of the risk that more buildings may collapse as a result of the flood damage, which has already ripped up streets and filled city centre subways with water, hail and mud.

A state of emergency is in force in La Paz

The downpour only lasted for 50 minutes on Tuesday, but the position of La Paz on the slopes of an extinct volcano crater means that it acts as a natural funnel.

At least 100 people were reported injured, of whom 75 were still in hospital, three in a serious condition, said the Mayor of La Paz, Juan del Granado.

Many were treated for serious fractures after they were smashed into cars, trees and lamp-posts by the water.

Bodies of those killed had been found up to 30km away, residents said.

Day of mourning

President Jorge Quiroga declared a day of national mourning on Wednesday in memory of the victims.

It was the worst rainstorm on record to hit La Paz

Visiting the capital's main sports stadium, where thousands made homeless by the flooding were being sheltered, Mr Quiroga said: "La Paz is in tremendous pain but it's heart is strengthened.

"We are going to reconstruct the material things. What is painful and irreparable is the loss of human lives," he said.

Mayor Del Granado predicts it will take 2,000 government workers 10 days before the city can return to order, and the official estimates of damages exceed $60m. The authorities have imposed a state of emergency.

Ferocious downpour

The downpour of hail and rain, unlike any previously seen in Bolivia's capital, began at 1500 on Tuesday.

Within an hour, an immense amount of water running down from the poor neighbourhoods high up to the north, east and west of the city was funnelled into the centre of the valley.

La Paz's main street, El Prado, was transformed into a fast-moving river, dragging people and vehicles along with it.

Passers-by had to climb trees to escape the raging torrents.

Some street vendors hid in tunnels from the storm, only to be trapped and drowned.

Calle Mercado, a side street nearby, was also devastated during 10 minutes of terror, as people were washed down the street and buildings collapsed on top of those within.