Peru, Chile and Bolivia hit by floods after heavy rain

Torrential rain has been creating havoc along the Pacific coast side of South America, with flooding causing the deaths of at least six people in Peru.

In the southern city of Arequipa, thousands of people were left without electricity and drinking water.

In Bolivia, nearly 9,000 families across the country were affected by flooding, said the authorities.

A downpour in the Andean region of Chile has also led to fresh water shortages in the capital, Santiago.

Authorities say four million people were affected by the cuts to freshwater supplies caused by landslides near San Jose de Maipo.

They reportedly contaminated two rivers that supply the city's water plants.

Aguas Andinas water company said it would start restoring the supply on Saturday night and expected to bring it back to normal by Sunday.

More than 48,000 people are said to have been affected by the rain.

Torrential rain has also fallen over most regions in neighbouring Bolivia.

Nearly 9,000 people are said to have been affected and crops lost to the rain.

Last week, Brazil announced it would send 500 tonnes of rice to aid Bolivians hit by the natural disaster.