Flooding and mudslides have spread, due to Sunday’s intense rains, to the Peruvian regions of Ancash, Cuzco, Huanuco, and Pasco.

Thousands of Peruvians are reportedly affected by the torrential weather.

According to Latin American Herald, the governor said, “There are businessmen and people who are making trips and domestic tourists who are visiting the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu through this zone and who, upon becoming stranded, have had to walk for several hours.”

Fifty towns in the area of Ancash, located on the Huaylas and Conchucos routes, have been made impossible to communicate with because of several mudslides that have buried the roads.

In the region of Huanuco, the overflowing of the Pachitea River has left 550 people directly affected in the Yuyapichis district.

After the overflowing of the Pichis River, in the region of Pasco, at least 65 communities in the districts of Puerto Bermudez and Ciudad Constitucion remain, as of now, under water.

In Pasco, about 5,000 are affected. Some have lost their homes and possessions or have only seen a little bit of damage. So disease does not spread, it is important for all of them to receive medical help. They are also in need of food. 

The unrelenting rains have stopped helicopters in the area from carrying out their humanitarian mission.

This situation has forced the emergency management office to send some 25 tons of food, clothing and construction materials by land alone.

In 2014, the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was affected by a similar overflowing of the Vilcanota River.

It had to be closed off to the public for two months so that the damaged train line leading to it could undergo repairs.

Officials have so far not said anything about taking the same measures in terms of the affected site of Machu Picchu now.

This year marks the 100th year of its discovery.