BBC News Online: World: Americas

Rain endangers ancient Peruvian city

A respected Peruvian archaeologist who helped discover the ruins of an ancient city north of Lima has warned the monument is in danger of collapsing because of heavy rain.

The archaeologist, Ruth Shady, told the BBC that exposure to the elements had weakened many of the mud and stone structures at the complex, known as Caral.

Last year, radiocarbon dating helped establish Caral as the oldest city in the western hemisphere - as old as the Egyptian pyramids.

Mrs Shady has called on the Peruvian Government and private donors to contribute towards the costs of conservation.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service