Debris flows in the vicinity of the machu Picchu Village, Peru

Abstract

The work summarizes information about spatial and temporal occurrence and damage caused by debris flows within last 50 years in the vicinity of the Machu Picchu village. Size and dynamic characteristics of limited number of events reveal, that two main classes of debris flows occurred in the study area. These classes are distinguished by specific triggering conditions, amount of delivered material to the main river valley (Urubamba River), duration time and speed. Incomplete weather information and debris flows allowed only preliminary comparison of relationship between rainfalls and debris flow occurrence. The results suggest coupling between 6-days preceding precipitation index and debris flow occurrence. Several low cost mitigation measures and risk management practices were suggested to reduce risk of the economically important area of the Machu Picchu village. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.