An Israeli national hiking alone near Peru's Machu Picchu suffered a leg injury and was rescued from rugged mountainous terrain at an altitude of about 4,600 meters (15,000 feet), officials said.
After sustaining the injury, the hiker took shelter in an abandoned building and contacted the emergency center of Israel-based Clal Insurance, operated by Magen Search and Rescue. Local teams were dispatched immediately, but floods and landslides prevented helicopter access, forcing rescuers to travel on foot and horseback.
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Rescue teams covered a route that typically requires five days in just 24 hours, providing first aid upon arrival and evacuating the hiker safely on a stretcher. He was transported to a hospital, where he remains for further medical evaluation and treatment.
"Upon receiving the call at our 24/7 emergency center, we immediately mobilized for what was a highly complex rescue due to the extreme terrain and long distance," said Dror Zesler, deputy CEO at Clal Insurance.
"I'm glad the teams arrived in record time and that the operation was successful, allowing the Israeli to receive medical care."