02 February 2010
United States Supports Rescue Efforts in Peru
Thousands evacuated in joint response
Washington — While engaged in what President Obama called “one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history” in Haiti, the United States is supporting another regional neighbor in need — Peru.
Heavy rain and mudslides have ravaged the historic area of Cusco since January 24, killing several people, washing out bridges, roads and rail links, destroying or damaging many homes, and stranding an estimated 2,000 tourists in Aguas Calientes, a small town at the base of the famed and well-visited site of Macchu Picchu. Several thousand Peruvian residents of Aguas Calientes also were cut off. The difficult canyon terrain continued flooding and poor weather hampered air rescue efforts.
Despite the challenges, up to six U.S. helicopters participated in airlift rescue efforts beginning January 26 under the direction of the Peruvian national police, army and air force. By January 29, all stranded tourists and local Peruvians who needed to depart were evacuated on U.S. and Peruvian helicopters. Rescuers gave priority to the sick and injured, children and the elderly without considering nationality.
U.S. Ambassador to Peru Michael McKinley visited the affected area to express his concern and feelings of solidarity with the people of Cusco as well as the foreign tourists in Aguas Calientes.
McKinley emphasized the efforts that the government and people of Peru were making to respond. He also commended the skill and dedication of the Peruvian and American helicopter pilots who traversed the mountainous terrain and limited landing zones to evacuate people stranded for days by flooding and mudslides.
