The Narok county government has deployed two helicopters to help rescue tourists and workers stuck after their hotels and camps in the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve submerged.
This is after River Talek burst its banks.
In a statement released by the county authority, they said that after several days of continuous rainfall witnessed in the country, the rivers have swollen, impacting several camps and areas in Maasai Mara.
“We have deployed two helicopters on standby to evacuate people from affected areas upon receiving distress calls,” said part of the statement.
Many tourists and locals escaped death by a whisker early Wednesday as the muddy waters of River Talek coursed through camps and lodges at the park.
The river burst its banks at midnight following heavy rains upstream.
The workers and tourists were woken by a roaring sound and before they realised what was happening water was gushing into lodges, tents and camps.
Everybody scrambled to higher grounds with whatever they could carry from tents and staff houses.
A few people were perched on rooftops and trees and only came down when the sun rose and the flooding subsided.
All the tourists and locals were accounted for. The visitors were taken to nearby camps and hotels.
The damage was estimated to be in millions of shillings as some of the structures were beyond repair
Talek road was impassable and motorists were forced to use a longer route through Sekenani gate to reach Narok town.
Narok governor Patrick Ole Ntutu said that as the heavy rains persist, it was essential for individuals to relocate to safer areas where needed and ensure access to emergency supplies.
“We are implementing plans and mobilizing resources to respond promptly to distress calls and ensure the safety of our residents. We are remaining dedicated to fulfilling our duty to protect and serve the people during these challenging times,” Ntutu said.
On May 1, 2024, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua called on the hotels and camps adjacent to rivers within national parks and reserves to prepare for potential evacuation should rivers overflow.
“Several camps have been impacted, prompting our coordinated reserve efforts, which have been effective thus far, ”Mutua said.
