Thousands hit by Bolivia flooding

Mr Morales flew over the affected areas

President Evo Morales has sought to reassure Bolivians that international aid is arriving to help deal with widespread flooding.

Floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rain have left at least 13 people dead.

More than 30,000 families have been affected, the authorities say, but only 3,000 have received relief so far, officials say.

Mr Morales is dealing with his first emergency since becoming Bolivia's first indigenous president last month.

He has secured several million dollars of aid from international agencies and foreign governments, including the United States and Japan.

Cuba is sending doctors and medicines, while Venezuela has promised food aid.

"We've received great solidarity from the international community," Mr Morales said on Tuesday.

'Feel like crying'

Pounding rainfall across the country has caused rivers to burst their banks, swept away bridges and triggered mudslides.

Santa Cruz, Beni and La Paz provinces have been the most affected.

After flying over eastern Bolivia, President Morales said the flooded villages, crops and roads had made him feel like crying.

Torrential rains are expected to continue over the coming weeks of Bolivia's rainy season, meteorologists say.