No end to deadly Bolivian floods

Many communities are completely cut off by the floods

At least 35 people have died and 10 are missing in Bolivia as a result of floods caused by months of heavy rain.

Up to 340,000 people are estimated to have been affected, as water levels continue to rise in eastern areas.

Roads in the worst-hit departments of Santa Cruz and Beni have been blocked by mudslides, hampering relief efforts.

The government has declared a state of emergency and is appealing for international aid.

Two months of heavy rain have been blamed on what has become known as the El Nino effect, an occasional seasonal warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Local authorities in the worst-hit areas say many communities have been completely cut off by the floods, and it has been impossible to get aid to them.

The governor of Beni has called for helicopters to help distribute food.

Ernesto Suarez Sattori said the situation was critical and could get worse in the next five days.