Heavy rains cause landslides and shut highways

On 6 January 2009 heavy rains produced landslides and caused the slight sinking of a portion of the highway linking Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. In San Ignacio, San Borja and Puerto Esperanza the highway was closed due to heavy rains. In the Sirindango zone of Cochabamba between 820 and 980 ft/250 and 300 m of the highway sank under the water weight. Crews will be working over the next four or five days to repair the damage. No traffic will be allowed on the highway until work is completed. In Santa Cruz, officials reported persistent landslides in the areas surrounding the old route to the interior, which include Petacas, Chorro Viejo, El Playon, Bermejo and las Negras. These zones are considered to present the highest risk of landslides and all travellers should use caution.