35 killed in Bolivia cold snap

05.07.2011 [12:22]
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Baku, July 5 (AZERTAC). Fog and snow has come down on the Bolivian capital in a cold snap that has killed at least 35 people.

The poor region of El Alto, which sits at much higher elevation than the rest of La Paz at 4,000 metres over sea level (13,100 feet), has been the worst hit.

Authorities at the Fight against Crime Special Forces said at least 33 people have died in El Alto`s impoverished suburbs only.

Residents in El Alto blame climate alter for the harsh conditions, which buildings and heating systems in the region are not prepared for.

Homeless people who can`t bundle up against the cold and have only blankets to defend themselves from the freezing temperatures are those most at danger from hypothermia.

The health ministry also reported 40,000 fresh cases of respiratory illnesses per week since the cold snap started.

Temperatures have dived to minus five degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) in La Paz and the local weather services says the mercury will carry on to drop in the coming days.

35 killed in Bolivia cold snap

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