Travellers stranded near Machu Picchu Due to Flooding & Mudslides

Authorities declared a state of emergency in the departments of Cusco and Apurimac as a result of heavy flooding and mudslides. The rains interrupted train service between the famous Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco, stranding approximately 2,000 travellers. The inclement weather also caused flight cancellations between Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport and Cusco’s Velasco Astete International Airport. In response, authorities plan to transport stranded travellers via helicopter from Aguas Calientes, the town nearest the ruins, to the city of Ollaytaytambo, from which they will take a bus to Cusco. PeruRail, the company that operates a rail line linking Cusco to Machu Picchu, has scheduled work on the railway; however, it currently remains inoperable.