Inca Trail Trekkers Trapped By Mudslides

Trekkers who'd completed the classic Inca Trail in Peru were among an estimated 1,000 plus toourists stranded at the 'lost' Inca city of Machu Picchu after it was cut off by mudslides at the weekend.

Heavy rain triggered the two serious mudslides at the nearby town of Aguas Calientes killing at least six people with others still missing and blocking the railway line to Cuzco. The railway is the only ground link to the outside world, so tourists who'd caught the train out to the ruins along with trekkers who'd completed the trail which ends at the city were both stranded at the Inca ruins.

Rescue workers evacuated 'at least 500 people' by helicopter while work took place to clear the railway. Trains are now running again allowing other visitors to return to Cuzco. More details from this BBC news story.