Flooding traps 21 Gustavus students in Peru

A group of Gustavus Adolphus College students and faculty members are among those awaiting evacuation in Peru after mudslides swept an area near Machu Picchu.

The college in St. Peter says in a news release Wednesday that 21 students and two faculty members are on a study abroad course examining social issues in the country.

Trip leader Debra Pitton is in touch with college officials. She says the group is safe in a hotel and has enough food and water. She says morale is good under the circumstances.

Helicopters have been flying out groups of people, but it’s not clear when the students will leave.

Authorities in Peru say about 1,400 travelers remain stranded since Sunday’s mudslides damaged sections of the railway to the city of Cuzco — the only way in or out of the area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.