Photos: Appalling weather and deadly landslides plague Dakar Rally 2017

A massive mudslide caused by thunderstorms forced the cancellation of the ninth stage of the Dakar Rally. The landslide hit the village of Volcan in Argentina, engulfing homes and killing two people. Appalling weather conditions have plagued this year's Dakar Rally. Stage six of the world's most gruelling motorsport event was also cancelled due to "extreme climatic conditions".

The route of the 2017 Dakar Rally runs for nearly 9,000km through three countries – Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia – much of it across unmarked desert. Four categories of vehicles (motorbikes, quads, cars and trucks) tackle an incredible variety of terrains – many at high altitude – from deserts to mountain roads and flooded rivers to salt flats. The rally will end on 14 January in Buenos Aires. Photographers Franck Fife, Dan Istitene and Ricardo Moraes are following the action, taking spectacular photos in very challenging conditions. IBTimes UK presents the best photos of the action.