Dozens of tourists were evacuated from the popular Maasai Mara national reserve in Kenya due to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The river in the reserve broke its banks, submerging hotels and lodges and prompting the Kenya Red Cross to rescue more than 90 people. Two helicopters were deployed for evacuations as the situation became increasingly dire.
The flooding in Maasai Mara is just one example of the devastating impact of the current rainy season, which has already seen over 170 people lose their lives since mid-March. The Meteorological Department has predicted even more rain for this week, raising concerns about further flooding and destruction.
In the capital city of Nairobi, roads were temporarily closed due to flooding, with 11 people having to be rescued from a flooded residential area. Meanwhile, in the Mai Mahiu area, a river caused flooding that resulted in 48 deaths and 80 people reported missing. President William Ruto has ordered the military to assist in search and rescue operations, but the lack of equipment has been slowing down efforts in Mai Mahiu.
With water levels in dams at a “historic high,” the government is urging people in flood-prone areas to evacuate to safer ground. The situation remains critical as more rain is expected in the coming days, posing a continued threat to communities across the country. Stay tuned to World News Live for the latest updates on the ongoing flooding crisis in Kenya.
