March 29, 2024

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A state of emergency has been declared by hundreds of tourists in Machu Picchu due to unrest in Peru

A state of emergency has been declared by hundreds of tourists in Machu Picchu due to unrest in Peru

Archive the photo. ©AP

In Peru, hundreds of foreign tourists were trapped in the historic ruins of Machu Picchu on Wednesday. This is because the trains are no longer running as a result of the violent protests against the new President of Peru, Dina Boloart. Authorities declared a state of emergency across the country on Wednesday.

Asian Development Banksource: BELGA

In Aguas Calientes, a spa town in a steep valley at the foot of the historic site and gateway to Machu Picchu, some 779 tourists of various nationalities have been stranded since Tuesday, according to authorities.

The only comfortable and modern way to get between the tourist pearl of Peru and the city of Cuzco, 110 km away, is by train. But rail traffic there has been halted since Tuesday due to protests that began in Cusco on Monday. The protesters then tried to take control of the now closed airport. Then the Peru Rail company stopped the movement of the trains, fearing blockages on the track and to ensure the safety of the passengers.

© Reuters

The spa’s mayor, Darwin Baca, has asked the government for humanitarian aid and is asking for helicopters to evacuate tourists.

Machu Picchu is one of the most important tourist attractions in South America and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Emergency

Authorities declared a state of emergency across the country on Wednesday after violent protests in recent days.

Unrest erupted after the December 7 trial of President Pedro Castillo, who is currently imprisoned on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. Seven people have already died. More than 200 people are reported to have been injured.

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In addition to Castillo’s release, the demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of the new president, Dina Boulwart, and the dissolution of Parliament.

This was stated by Defense Minister Alberto Otarola, who confirmed that the measure “imposed the suspension of freedom of movement and freedom of association” and that curfews are also possible. “The police, with the support of the armed forces, will control the entire area,” he said, adding that the state of emergency allows the army to intervene in order to maintain order.

The government had already declared a state of emergency in several provinces on Monday and extended it on Tuesday. The authorities also proposed bringing forward the election date to December 2023.