The Kenya Red Cross on Wednesday mounted a search for tourists marooned in camps at Maasai Mara following heavy rains that left them trapped in the area.
In a post shared on official Kenya Red Cross platforms, it was revealed that the whole issue stemmed from Talek River breaking its banks causing the floods to maroon 14 tourist camps.
The rescue operations were still ongoing by the time of publishing this article. At this juncture, Kenya Red Cross confirmed that 36 people had been rescued.
“Collaborating with the National and County Government of Narok, the Mara Elephant Project and community members, we have rescued 36 people by air and another 25 through an aqua rescue team,” stated the Red Cross.
Further, it was confirmed that in some camps, tents had been swept away, and the Mara Bridge, linking the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara, has been washed away.
However, the number of people trapped within the camps was yet to be confirmed.
This follows a travel advisory updated by the United Kingdom for its citizens in Kenyans following the flooding in Kenya.
According to the updated advisory, the UK warned its citizens of travelling to the country and requested those already in the country to exercise caution.
"Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through floodwater, plan your journeys carefully and make sure to follow local guidance," the advisory read in part.
Additionally, on Tuesday, the Kenya Tourist Federation issued a travel advisory for tourists and residents visiting the parks in the country.
The Federation noted that the Maasai Mara National Park had not experienced flooding but still requested that individuals exercise caution while navigating the park.
Additionally, the Federation issued advisories for Amboseli, Isiolo and Samburu stating that the areas would be under watch with travel expected to be cautious in those regions.
