More than 70 people have been killed and hundreds more displaced this week as heavy rainfall poured over parts of Peru.
The popular tourist destination is experiencing 10 times more rainfall than usual for this time of the year, according to reports, which has caused rivers to overflow, mudslides and the worst flooding in the country in decades.
Tourism leaders from PROMPERU issued an update saying that severe weather conditions were triggered by the ‘El Nino Costero’ phenomenon and that the government to working in affected areas to assist victims and commence structural repairs.
Meanwhile, travellers in Peru have been advised that the northern region – including the Moche Route, the beaches of Piura and Tumbes – as well as Ancash have been affected by floods.
#Peru is being hit by devastating flooding. Is it a natural weather cycle or an impact of climate change? https://t.co/zj4qTLsAKc pic.twitter.com/l7B4rbNrCn
— DW News (@dwnews) March 21, 2017
PROMPERU says anyone in those areas can call tourist information and assistance services, which can be accessed 24 hours by calling 574-8000 or emailing iperu@promperu.gob.pe.
Meanwhile, the tourism board has assured visitors that the southern touristic circuit and North Eastern have not been affected.
It’s still business as usual for attractions and activities in places such as Cusco, Arequipa, Puno and Madre de Dios as well as San Martin, Amazonas and Loreto.
Main attractions in the city of Lima are also still open to tourists.