Floods kill 14 and destroy crops in Bolivia

LA PAZ, Feb 2 (Reuters) Flooding in Bolivia has killed at least 14 people, damaged roads and left thousands of acres (hectares) of crops under water, officials and local media said.

Bolivian President Evo Morales visited some of the worst hit areas in the eastern province of Santa Cruz, where rescue efforts are taking place, and flew over flooded areas, a government spokesman said yesterday.

''We're going to seek immediate economic resources to build more river defenses and fund humanitarian aid in response to this major disaster,'' Morales told local radio.

Bolivia declared a nationwide state of emergency last month when the flooding began, and rescue efforts have received aid from the United States and Venezuela.

Soy is Bolivia's most important agricultural export and state news agency ABI said that if the rains continue, as is forecast, some 123,600 acres (50,000 hectares) of soy crops could be lost. That would represent 5 per cent of the area planted with soy.

During last year's rainy season, floods also hit Bolivia and forced thousands from their homes.

Reuters SBA VP0713