COCHABAMBA, Dec 29 — A deadly downpour in Bolivia. At least eight people are dead after torrential rains swept through the country causing massive flooding.

Bolivia's national weather service has issued an orange alert for five areas in the west of the country.

The flooding stranded drivers and pedestrians alike in Cochabamba.

A man walks in front a car dragged by flooding in Locotal, between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia December 8, 2016. — Reuters pic
A man walks in front a car dragged by flooding in Locotal, between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia December 8, 2016. — Reuters pic

A public transit worker says: “With the water as high as the sidewalk, there was nothing I could do. The water was so high it was covering the tires of my car so I had to turn off my motor and walk.”

Even an ambulance had to be rescued from the rising waters.

The heavy rains come in the wake of Bolivia's worst drought in 25 years. — Reuters