- The tourist camps were overan by flood waters after Talek River broke its banks at midnight following heavy rains upstream.
- Workers and tourists were woken by roaring sounds as the water gushed into lodges, tents and camps.
Image: SCREENGRAB
The Kenya Red Cross personnel is searching for tourists trapped by floodwaters in over 14 camps in Talek, Narok county.
The tourist camps were overan by flood waters after Talek River broke its banks at midnight following heavy rains upstream.
The search and rescue operation has been augmented by the Narok County Government who deployed two helicopters to help the rescue operation.
“We have deployed two helicopters on standby to evacuate people from affected areas upon receiving distress calls,” the county authority said in a statement.
It added that after several days of continuous rainfall, the rivers have swollen, impacting several camps and areas within Maasai Mara.
Many tourists and the locals escaped death by a whisker early Wednesday as the muddy waters of River Talek coursed through camps and lodges within the park.
Workers and tourists were woken by roaring sounds as the water gushed into lodges, tents and camps.
They scrambled to higher grounds with whatever they could carry from tents and staff houses in camps and lodges.
A few people were perched on rooftops and trees and only came down when the sun rose and the flooding had subsided.
Collaboration between the nartional government, Red Cross, the Mara Elephant Project and community members rescued 36 people by air and another 25 through an aqua rescue team.
All the tourists and locals were accounted for. The visitors were taken to nearby camps and hotels.
The damage caused is estimated to be in millions of shillings as some of the structures were destroyed beyond repair.
Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu said as the heavy rains persist, it was essential for individuals to relocate to safer areas where access to emergency supplies is guaranteed.
“We are implementing plans and mobilising resources to respond promptly to distress calls and ensure safety of our residents. We are remaining dedicated to fulfilling our duty to protect and serve the people during these challenging times,” Ntutu said.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua called on hotels and camps adjacent to rivers within national parks and reserves to prepare for potential evacuation should rivers overflow.
"There are a few camps that have been affected and we have initiated a coordinated rescue programme that has so far been successful," he said.
Mutua said all tourist facilities should have concrete evacuation, transportation and hospitality contigency plans.
The CS added that to report any disaster, Kenyans should call The National Emergency Disaster Help Line: 0800721571.