The Kenya Red Cross has initiated a search and rescue operation in Narok County, where heavy floods trapped tourists in 14 camps within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
In a statement made on May 1st, the organization explained that the region had been battered by heavy rains, causing the Talek River to overflow and wreak havoc.
The floods have taken a heavy toll, with reports of tents being swept away and the Mara Bridge, a crucial link between the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara, collapsing.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the organization has already rescued 36 people by air and another 25 through an aqua rescue team, working closely with the Narok County government, the Mara Elephant Project, and local communities.
“Collaborating with the National and County Government of Narok, the Mara Elephant Project and community members, we have rescued 36 people by air and another 25 through an aqua rescue team,” the Red Cross stated.
Impact of Floods in Narok
The situation in Narok remains dire, as the number of people still trapped within the affected camps is yet to be confirmed.
As such, Narok County government has deployed helicopters to evacuate the stranded tourists and residents in the affected camps, following the urgency of the situation.
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As per reports, the heavy rains have not only impacted the Maasai Mara National Reserve but also caused widespread destruction and displacement across Narok County.
Numerous residents have been forced to flee their homes, and transportation networks severely disrupted.
UK Issues Travel Advisory to Its Citizens in Kenya
The current crisis experienced in the country has also prompted travel advisories from international authorities.
UK in a statement made on May 1, issued an advisory meant to help its citizens make informed decisions in the midst of the ongoing heavy rains and recent incidents of terror attacks witnessed in different parts of the country.
Citizens were warned against non-essential travel to high-risk areas such as the Kenya-Somalia border, Eastern Garissa County, Mandera County, Lamu County and Tana River County.
“There have been a number of terrorist attacks in Kenya in recent years. In particular, there are frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions (Lamu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera Counties), most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab,” reads the statement in part.
“Due to the terrorism risk, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel along the Kenya-Somalia border, and north-eastern coast,” added the UK government.
Tourism CS Issues Directive to Hotels & Camps
Additionally, Tourism CS Alfried Mutua had earlier on issued a notice to all hotels and camps that are situated near rivers within national parks and reserves.
The CS in a statement urged the hotels to prepare for evacuations should rivers overflow, emphasizing the importance of safety during this challenging time.
Similarly, the Kenya Tourist Federation had on April 25, issued advisories for various parks and reserves, including the Maasai Mara National Park, Amboseli, Isiolo, and Samburu.
Also Read: FLOODS LIVE UPDATES: Choppers Deployed to Rescue Tourists Trapped in Maasai Mara Floods
The Federation urged visitors to exercise caution while navigating the listed areas.
As the rescue efforts continue, the Kenya Red Cross and other agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the floods.
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