Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara game reserve is currently undergoing evacuation procedures for both tourists and staff due to extensive flooding.
Following the overflow of the Talek River on Tuesday, over 10 lodges and camps within the reserve have been inundated, prompting concerns about the safety of both humans and wildlife.
The reserve’s police chief, Kipkoech Lotiatia, reported significant damage to the area.
While the exact number of individuals stranded remains unclear, approximately 90 people have been rescued through air and boat operations conducted by the Kenya Red Cross.
Although most affected camps have been shut down, the flooding has begun to recede according to the aid agency.
“In some camps, tents have been swept away, and the Mara bridge, linking the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara, has been washed away,” the aid agency said in a post on X earlier on Wednesday.
Stephen Nakola, a local official, informed the AFP news agency that around 100 tourists were stranded.
Tourists, both foreign and local, flock to the reserve to witness its diverse wildlife, which includes lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Earlier, Mr. Lotiatia informed journalists that rescue efforts involved deploying two emergency helicopters to evacuate tourists and staff.
Despite a request for comment from the BBC, there has been no immediate response from Masai Mara management.
Heavy rains upstream caused the Talek River to overflow on Tuesday afternoon, exacerbating the situation.
Additionally, water from the Mara River, near the Serengeti-Tanzania border, has worsened the flooding following several days of rainfall in the region.
“After several days of continuous rainfall, our rivers have swollen, impacting several camps and areas in the Maasai Mara National Reserve,” the local Narok county government said in a statement.
The surging waters have submerged roads and bridges, disrupting life in nearby communities.
Reports indicate that the Talek gate, a crucial exit point from the game reserve, is severely flooded.
President William Ruto has issued orders for residents living in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas to evacuate immediately.
This year’s rainy season has been particularly destructive, with weeks of flooding resulting in the loss of about 180 lives, while 90 individuals remain unaccounted for.