Bad weather is continuing to hamper evacuation efforts in areas hit by mudslides near Peru’s historic Machu Picchu ruins.
Continuing heavy rain has restricted helicopter flights to collect more than 1,500 tourists cut off by mudslides which have severed road and rail access between the city of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, and the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the ruins, since Sunday.
ABC News reports that overland access to Machu Picchu is expected to be impossible for another three days, putting a strain on food, water and accommodation, as well as the helicopter evacuation effort.
Bottles of water are said to be selling at five times the normal price.
Authorities say that those awaiting rescue are uncomfortable but safe.
Peruvian officials say they evacuated 595 tourists yesterday and they expect to airlift another 800 to safety today.
Five people are reported to have died, including two residents killed when their home was destroyed, and a trekker crushed while sleeping in a tent.
Hundreds more tourists are arriving back to the evacuation zones as they return from treks that began before the trail was shut.
