The heavy floods struck as flood waters rose along the Chapare river destroying houses and the 300 meter (328 yards) Chapare bridge. A police vehicle, a bus and a heavy truck were swept away by the torrent, according to witnesses, and authorities were searching for two missing people.

"I would like to express my profound sadness over the loss of human life," Bolivia's President Carlos Mesa said.

Heavy rains were expected to continue pounding the region until around midday, according to weather forecasts.

Floods also damaged a principal highway that passes through the region and which carries a majority of Bolivia's road traffic.

Public Works minister Jorge Urquidi said it is likely to take six months to rebuild the damaged Chapare bridge at a cost of some one million dollars.

The adverse weather has also damaged crops and killed livestock.

TERRA.WIRE