Peru: Hundreds of tourists stranded by heavy rain

News reports say that torrential rain and heavy flooding in south eastern Peru has put emergency services under increasing strain as they try to rescue stranded residents.  In and around Machu Picchu over ten thousand people have been affected and some 2,000 homes, probably more have been abandoned.

Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting tens of thousands of international tourists every year.  It sits 2,340 metres above sea level, but today, several hundred tourists are waiting to be evacuated from the rail station.  Continued rain and flooding has incapacitated the rail line that serves the ancient ruins trapping tourists at Aguas Calientes at the base of the site. Mudslides have wiped away a bridge and closed all the road routes out of the area.  There are reports of hikers being stuck on the Inca Trail leading to the Machu Picchu site. Local reports say there have been at least 7 deaths in the area – one of them an Argentine national, as emergency services try desperately to evacuate people.

The US has sent six rescue helicopters and other staff to assist the Peruvians with the evacuation of foreigners from the area. The rain is expected to continue over the weekend.