Hundreds of Aussies stranded in Peru

Hundreds of Australians are among thousands of tourists stranded by mudslides that
have claimed at least seven lives near Peru's famed Incan ruins at Machu Picchu.
Torrential rain and the mudslides have stranded up to 2,500 travellers visiting the
ancient ruins high in the South American Andes Mountains.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says earlier reports that an
Australian had been killed were incorrect, and that the victim referred to in a news
report was in fact Argentinian.
DFAT has been in touch with local officials about a number of Australians believed
to be affected by flooding.
The spokesman said tour operators were understood to be making alternative transport
arrangements for them.
In an email to the ABC, Sydney couple Julie Nemcich, 29, and Angus Lander, 27, said
they were safe for now but had little information and no consular assistance.
"We are completely stranded in Aguas Calientes and are getting little to no news on
when we can leave," they wrote.
"People are dying in landslides all around us and the Peruvian government won't let
US and Argentinian choppers land to help people.
"The only people that are getting out are those that have privately chartered
choppers, and a few paltry trips in Peruvian choppers.
"There are literally hundreds of Aussies here. We are by far the biggest nationality
stuck here aside from Argentinians possibly, and we are getting no help from the
(Australian) consulate or embassy.
"People have been trying to walk out along trails and they have died.
"An Argentinian girl and a tour guide died in a landslide in the exact place where
we camped on the last night of our trail.
"We are seriously worried because there is meant to be five days of rain coming and
that means no choppers, less or no food and water, and possibly no electricity to
communicate."
Australian Rachael Taylor, of Intrepid, said there were 19 Australians stranded in
her tour group in the town of Aguas Calientes, awaiting help to leave the area.
"Our group is waiting for their turn, really," she told the Nine network via telephone.
"Everybody is a priority, unfortunately. They are generally in reasonably good
spirits considering the circumstances. They are handling things really well."
Australians unable to leave the affected area are advised to call DFAT's consular
emergency centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
DFAT has established a hotline for concerned friends and relatives of travellers, on
1300 555 135.