The Bolivian government is studying plans to evacuate tens of thousands of people from the north-eastern city of Trinidad if devastating flooding worsens.

The situation could worsen if rising floodwaters spill over a dike surrounding the city, officials say.

Trinidad is surrounded by a roadway that acts like a dike protecting the city from frequent floods.

At least 35 people have died and 350,000 have been affected by the worst floods to hit Bolivia in 25 years.

"We have instructed the authorities to draft a plan to evacuate Trinidad in case the water keeps rising, because if the water flows over the dike, the whole of Trinidad will be under water." President Evo Morales said during a trip to the central Cochamba region, according to the state news agency ABI.

Residents say that currently the water is rising by two inches (5cm) a day and the over-flowing is bound to occur.

Reuters news agency reports that hundreds of people have already abandoned their swamped homes and are seeking refuge outside Trinidad in tents, churches and schools.

The unexpected flooding is said to have been caused by the climate anomaly El Nino, brought on by global warming.

The government says at least 350,000 people in the country have been affected by months of heavy rain, which has caused widespread flooding and mudslides and has blocked access to emergency aid.

The flooding has also destroyed close to half a million acres of agricultural land and crops, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

AR/BG