U.S. sends aid to Bolivia flood victims, but Venezuela pledges millions more

A U.S. cargo plane delivered medicine and supplies Monday to Bolivia's flood-ravaged eastern lowlands, yet American aid was dwarfed by a $15 million pledge from regional rival Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is planning a tour Saturday of the flooded areas, where a rainy season supercharged by El Niño has killed 41 people, driven thousands from their homes and triggered an outbreak of dengue.

International aid continues to arrive in Trinidad, whose outlying neighborhoods have been underwater for weeks. Bolivian officials warned Monday that floodwaters would continue to swell rivers on their way toward the Amazon.

The $1.1 million U.S. donation included vaccinations, pumps, towels and fresh water, as well as cash to help repair the region's washed-out highways and a donation to the local Red Cross branch. Monday's delivery brings total U.S. flood aid to $1.5 million.

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