LA PAZ – At least one person died, several were missing, and 40 homes were buried underground after a landslide devastated the community of Andavilque in the mining municipality of Llallagua, the Bolivian southwestern department of Potosi in the early hours of Sunday, local authorities said Monday.
The mayor of the municipality of Llallagua, Adalid Jorge Aguilar, said that the landslide due to heavy rains claimed the life of an older adult who was trapped in his home.
The landslide caused by the collapse of a lagoon with mining waste also affected crops and livestock in the area.
The secretary of the Llallagua mayor’s office, Rene Felipez, confirmed to the local press that more than 500 llamas and sheep had perished after the flood of mud, earth and stones, and only a few were rescued alive.
Deputy Minister of Civil Defense Juan Carlos Calvimontes said that the government has mobilized emergency aid for the victims.
“A truck is leaving from La Paz heading to Llallagua, carrying supplies, mattresses, blankets and food,” said the official in contact with Bolivia TV.
XINHUA