Record Cold In Bolivia

Cold Spell Damages Crops, Causes Deaths
Posted: Nate on Jul 21 | Environment, Health

An influx of cold polar air in the last week has produced record low temperatures throughout Bolivia and severely damaged crops in least five departments of the country.  The freeze hurt almost all edible crops grown in the areas affected and has already resulted in increased prices for those items in large cities.  According to reports, the ice and snow of last week most affected Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Tarija, Potosí, and La Paz.  In all of these areas the cold compounded with hurricane-force winds lasted three days.  Several cities also registered record low temperatures.

According to one farmer from the Chaco region, Flavio Cuéllar, “The snow froze all of the plants.  Those that survived will only be good for saving for seeds.”  Despite the harsh conditions produced by the temperatures and snowfall, farmers are still concerned about the deep freezes that will further harm plants when the snow melts and refreezes.  Farmers are also concerned about their livestock since the cold has damaged grazing land and alfalfa growth.  Authorities haven´t been able to put together accurate reports of the extent of the damage considering the scope of the situation and the remote areas affected.

In the five countries impacted by the Antarctic air at least 83 people have reportedly died from hypothermia.  Bolivian casualties account for 21 of those fatalities: nine in El Alto, six in Santa Cruz, and two in each of the departments Oruro, Cochabamba, and Beni.  The cold has also prompted education officials to suggest extending winter vacation until July 26 because of the risk of spreading seasonal diseases in schools.

http://www.boliviaweekly.com/