Ruptly
"The Bolivian Highway Administration (ABC) said on Sunday that heavy trucks have been barred from a section of road in the department of Santa Cruz after intense rainfall triggered landslides and rockfalls in the Valles Cruceños region. The restrictions apply to the La Angostura–Bermejo stretch, which has been fully closed to large vehicles. Footage shows a long line of trucks and other vehicles stranded on the highway due to the measure. "Unfortunately, this time of year is very rainy here in the country, in the region, and so in this valley area there will mostly be landslides, and that is what is happening to us right now,” explained driver Javier Rosales. The restriction is in effect from 16:00 on Sunday until 09:00 on Monday, and is subject to changes in weather conditions. The total closure is being supervised by the Highway Police at checkpoints in La Angostura and Samaipata, according to authorities. "Here in this sector [we are] since this morning, but before reaching La Angostura, we spent two nights unable to move forward, because there was no passage," said a lorry driver. "We demand that the government give urgency to these road issues so they can help the people in the area. And well, so that we do not have to go through this tragic moment again," mentioned another driver, who added that the situation mainly affects transport workers. One person has died, two others have been injured, and two buses have been damaged following landslides in the Valles Crucenos, according to Florida province police commander Luis Alberto Solares, as cited by local media. ABC reported that emergency work is underway to clear landslides and mudflows caused by the rains, resulting in temporary road closures to ensure the safety of workers and users."
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