Peruvian homes flooded by overflowing river after weekend storms by Jo Farrow
Weekend storms in and around the Peruvian city of Cuzco have caused a river to burst its banks, flooding homes and farmland.
The Izuchaca Huaico river, which carries water away from Peru’s Andean mountains, became blocked by trees and other debris after storms began on Saturday night. With the water unable to flow past the blockage, it spilled over the banks and into surrounding homes and farmland.
The town of Huarcarpay was worst hit, with almost half of the town under water. Some houses were completely washed away by the floods. The main water pipe serving the town was also damaged, leaving the area without clean water. The neighbouring towns of Arahuay and Tupac Amaru were also affected, and roads to the ancient Inca town of Machu Picchu were blocked by floodwater.
The forecast from Peru’s national weather service indicates some more settled weather for the Cuzco region after midweek, with daytime maximum temperatures around the monthly average of 19°C (66°F).
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