LA PAZ: Bolivia President Evo Morales declared a state of emergency on Tuesday to assist victims of the country´s deadly rainy season, which has claimed 41 lives and left 20,000 people homeless according to provisional figures.

Morales´ office issued the declaration in a move which will mobilize funds, resources and troops to help those worst affected over the five-month period.

On Saturday, torrential rain triggered a landslide in the town of Rurrenabaque, a popular tourist spot north of La Paz, killing 10 people.

The government has not released official toll totals for the rain-related deaths. But local media have tallied 41 dead this season.

In Morales´ home region of Chapare, authorities said 11 rivers have burst their banks this week alone.

Bolivia´s rainy season spans five months, starting in late September. (AFP)

SOURCE: AFP