Peru: heavy rains cause flooding and landslides, the path to Machu Picchu is closed

The intense rains linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon have today caused flooding and landslides in several areas of Peru, also interrupting access to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The authorities have ordered the closure of the Inca Trail, one of the main tourist routes to the archaeological site, until Saturday due to the flooding of waterways and the accumulation of debris.

The rainfall also hit the capital Lima, where dozens of homes were flooded and water and sewerage services were interrupted. School lessons were suspended in three southern districts. Landslides and road closures also affected the southern regions of Arequipa and Moquegua. The Panamerican South is blocked, with over 7 kilometers of vehicles queued: 2.5 kilometers in the Ocoña area and another 5 near Atico. About 80% of the stopped vehicles are trucks transporting fruit, vegetables, fuel, animal feed and chemical products.