La Paz, December 25 (RHC-teleSUR) -- Bolivia's legislature declared Poopo Lake, located in Oruro department, as a disaster area due to the death of thousands of fish and waterfowl.

Poopo Lake is the second largest lake in Bolivia after Lake Titicaca. Lawmakers approved the law Tuesday that declared Poopo Lake a disaster area. Poopo is a saltwater lake and risks disappearing due to global warming, mining, human waste, and other contributing factors.

According to Bolivian lawmaker Vania Quispa, the measure will require that institutions make arrangements with the government and international agencies to channel financial resources and logistical support to prevent future disasters. The legislation also mandates an immediate cleaning of the lake.

At least 10 kilometers of fish and birds were found dead on the banks of Poopo this month, presumably due to an abnormal rise in temperature.

The law also instructs authorities to seek mechanisms to increase water levels and species.