Bolivian authorities have ordered the rescue of a Dutch family stranded by heavy snowfall. The family is reported to be at their hotel in Laguna Verde, which is in the department of Potosí near the Chilean border.

Speaking to French news agency AFP, Potosí governor Felix Gonzalez said: “We are investigating whether more tourists are stranded there.” Food and medical supplies have already been sent to the region.

Defence Minister Cecilia Charon said on national television that a rescue operation by helicopter would be impossible due to extreme weather. Conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, increasing chances for a successful rescue mission. Yet temperatures of –20 degrees Celsius have been predicted for the region on Monday.

The extreme weather in Potosí is affecting a total of 7,000 people.

(gsh/kh)

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