Peru sends helicopters to rescue stranded tourists

The Peruvian government on Tuesday sent two helicopters to rescue tourists stranded on the way to Manu National Park, some 1,300 km southeast of Lima.

Tourists and residents, who were stranded over the past few days after landslides cut off the road, will be evacuated by a police helicopter and an army helicopter, President of the Council of Ministers Javier Velasquez said.

The first helicopter, which departed at Tuesday noon, aimed to rescue the tourists and residents stranded at the airdrome of Kosnipata town, in the province of Paucartambo, Cusco Region. The second one was responsible for transporting food to the victims.

Velasquez has arrived in Cusco to supervise the provision of aid for the tourists and people in trouble.

Cusco's Police Chief Jorge Tejeda said the police were ready to help the stranded tourists and it was necessary to coordinate the rescue efforts of the local authorities and the Peruvian National Police.

A total of 29 tourists were stranded by landslides as they were returning to the imperial city of Cuzco, according to the regional police of Cusco.

Source: Xinhua