Severe flooding has forced the emergency evacuation of least 90 tourists from several camps in the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, after a major river and several tributaries broke their banks on Tuesday.
The Talek River, which runs through the centre of the reserve and several adjoining conservancies, broke its banks following weeks of heavy rainfall, submerging camps and leaving tourists and staff stranded.
At least 188 people, mostly in central Kenya, have died as a result of flash floods and landslides since the start of Kenya’s long rainy season, running from March to May.
Patrick Ole Ntutu, Governor of Narok County – where the Maasai Mara is located – said in a statement on Wednesday that government had mobilised aerial resources for the evacuation of “dozens of tourists”.
“We have deployed two helicopters to evacuate people from affected areas upon receiving the distress calls. It is essential for individuals and communities to relocate to safer…