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Tourists and staff were evacuated Tuesday from Kenya’s world-famous Maasai Mara game reserve after heavy rains caused the Talek River to burst its banks, submerging parts of the reserve.
Over a dozen lodges and camps were flooded, raising concerns about the safety of wildlife and the overall damage to the reserve’s ecosystem. Local authorities estimate around 90 people were rescued by air and boat by the Kenya Red Cross.
“In some camps, tents have been swept away, and the Mara bridge, linking the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara, has been washed away,” reported the Kenya Red Cross.
Many tourists visit the Maasai Mara to witness its abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The reserve’s management has not yet commented on the extent of the damage.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with two emergency helicopters deployed to evacuate stranded tourists and staff. The Talek River’s surge is attributed to heavy rains upstream, compounded by rising waters from the Mara River near the Tanzanian border.
“After days of continuous rain, our rivers have overflowed, impacting numerous camps and areas within the Maasai Mara National Reserve,” stated the local Narok county government.
Roads and bridges have also been submerged, disrupting access and impacting nearby communities. President William Ruto has urged Kenyans in flood-prone areas to evacuate as the rainy season continues to wreak havoc. Over 180 people have lost their lives and 90 remain missing due to weeks of flooding across Kenya.
U.S. Issues Warning to Americans in Kenya
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a stark warning to American citizens traveling in Kenya, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to the widespread flooding. The Maasai Mara and Great Rift Valley regions are specifically mentioned as experiencing severe flooding, leading to the evacuation of safari camps.
“The situation is fluid, and we urge U.S. citizens to stay informed and prioritize their safety,” stated a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy.
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