In Bolivia, at least 35 people have been killed in freezing temperatures and conditions are forecast to worsen in the coming days. The area of El Alto, which sits at much higher elevation than the rest of the capital city of La Paz at 4,000 metres above sea level, has been the worst hit. Authorities said, at least 33 people have died in El Alto's impoverished suburbs alone. Residents in El Alto blame climate change for the harsh conditions, which buildings and heating systems in the area are not prepared for. The health ministry also reported 40,000 new cases of respiratory illnesses per week since the cold snap started. Temperatures have dived to minus five degrees Celsius in La Paz and the local weather services says, the mercury will continue to drop in the coming days.