Peru: Evacuations Underway for 2000 Tourists Stranded Near Machu Picchu by Floods, Landslides

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | January 27th, 2010 | Trackback

Three days of heavy rain over the weekend caused floods and landslides that buried the only rail link between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, stranding some 2000 tourists at Aguas Calientes, the rail terminus at the base of the mountain below the famous Inca citadel. As the rain diminished, helicopters brought in tents and food and began evacuating stranded tourists, but the roads and railway were expected to be closed for several days. Landslides also hit the Inca Trail, killing an Argentine hiker and a Peruvian guide. Authorities closed the trail and declared a state of emergency in Machu Picchu and surrounding areas. Floods washed out the Pisac bridge and the Huallabamba bridge was under water. Travel to the region, including Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, should be deferred until the weather settles.

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