Bolivia declares state of emergency over El Nino

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has declared a nationwide state of emergency to address drought and flooding caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

• President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree on Saturday, authorizing further deployments of rescue teams in areas hit by flooding and drought.
• Paz said El Nino will have "very severe impacts in terms of drought and floods," and that Bolivia needs the cooperation of all institutions.
• A government report said drought is affecting 78,000 families in six of nine departments and has killed more than 75,000 cattle.
• Paz said the decree will allow authorities to deploy resources more quickly where they are needed.