Tourists Evacuated by Helicopter
Tourists at the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya had to be evacuated by helicopter as devastating flooding hit the area. More than 14 tourist camps were flooded, with tents being swept away as the Talek river burst its banks on Tuesday afternoon. The Kenyan Red Cross reported rescuing 36 people by air and 25 others by ground.
Continued Risks and Rescue Efforts
As meteorologists warn of continued heavy rains in the region, scenes of utter devastation continue to unfold. In Kenya alone, the death toll from weeks of flooding had reached 181 by Wednesday, with many more still missing. Conservationists fear for the safety of animals swept away by the floodwaters.
Government Response
Kenyan President William Ruto has labeled those affected by the floods as “victims of climate change” and has ordered the military to assist in search and rescue efforts. Despite promising to rebuild homes, the President has urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to higher ground due to the ongoing risk of flooding.
The flooding, triggered by heavy seasonal rains and compounded by the El Nino weather phenomenon, has affected a vast area of East Africa, leading to loss of lives and destruction of critical infrastructure. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as the region grapples with the aftermath of the natural disaster.