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Inca site Machu Picchu (archive image)
Photo: David Ionut / Panthermedia / imago images
Heavy rains in Peru have caused extensive damage near the world-famous Inca site of Machu Picchu.
In the city of Machu Picchu, railway tracks and bridges were washed away on Friday, the authorities said.
The railway connection was interrupted by the sharp rise in the Alcamayo River.
Houses near the river were flooded, one person was injured and another missing, according to civil defense.
The railway company Peru Rail, one of two transport companies in the region, said rail services had been halted until further notice.
Built in the 15th century, the Inca site of Machu Picchu is one of South America's top tourist attractions.
It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.
In 2021 around 447,800 people visited the famous Inca city in the Andes.
Before the corona pandemic, there were around 1.5 million visitors per year.
che/AFP