Devastating floods in East Africa have taken a deadly turn as they now inundate parts of the iconic Masai Mara wildlife reserve. The floods, which have already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands, have now breached the Telek River, causing it to overflow into the reserve.
Tourist camps in the area have been flooded, with more than 90 people evacuated and some rescued by helicopter. The situation is dire, with water everywhere, according to Daniel Ikayo, the owner of a safari company operating in the reserve.
The floods have not only impacted human lives but have also caused heavy damage to key economic resources in Kenya, including livestock, crops, and infrastructure. The Kijabe forest, another important natural resource, has also been decimated by the floods.
While only part of the Masai Mara has been affected so far, tourism officials are warning that all hotels and camps near rivers should prepare for potential evacuation in case of further overflow. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the long rainy season in Kenya is not a prime time for tourism.
The floods have also disrupted the “Great Migration” route from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, a major tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year. The situation is further compounded by flash floods in other parts of Kenya, which have already claimed the lives of at least 45 people.
With the rains expected to continue, the Kenyan government has issued an evacuation order for people residing in high-risk areas. Over 30,000 people have already been displaced, and the economic impact of the floods is yet to be fully realized.
According to experts, climate change-related events like floods and droughts have already led to significant losses in Kenya’s GDP. The frequency and intensity of such events are expected to increase in the future, posing a major challenge for the country.
As forecasters warn of more intense rainfall in the coming days, the people of Kenya are bracing themselves for further devastation. The situation is dire, and urgent action is needed to mitigate the impact of the ongoing floods on both human lives and the country’s economy.
