Severe weather in the Peruvian Andes has claimed the lives of at least seven people. Among them are an Argentinian and a Peruvian guide.

They were killed in a landslide at Machu Picchu, the site famous for its ancient Inca ruins.

Torrential rain in southern Peru has caused flooding and landslides. Around 2000 tourists are stranded at Machu Picchu, because there are no trains running on the only railway line to the city of Cusco.

Helicopters are being used to pick up tourists, but the evacuation is not running smoothly. On Tuesday just 125 tourists were flown out of the area. The first to be evacuated are the elderly, the sick, and those prepared to pay out a hefty fee; backpackers are at the back of the queue.