LA PAZ, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- All nine departments in Bolivia are on alert due to rising rivers and the risk of flash flooding following recent heavy rains, local media reported Thursday, citing data from the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (Senamhi).

Senamhi's orange alert, effective now through March 14, indicates a significant level of danger from excess rainfall and its potential to harm life and property.

According to the agency, an "orange alert" is generated when river flow increases amid persistent rains.

Since the start of Bolivia's rainy season in November last year, heavy downpours had claimed at least 37 lives and displaced or otherwise affected more than 161,000 families as of Wednesday, according to data from the Civil Defense.

The department of La Paz declared a state of emergency at the end of January due to severe flooding in several municipalities. Rains are expected to continue until March or April, according to Senamhi forecasts. Enditem

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