Severe Floods in Kenya Kill 42, Force Mass Evacuations

Severe flooding in Kenya forced the evacuation of tourists and staff from the Maasai Mara National Reserve. At least 42 people, mostly in Nairobi, have died from drowning or electrocution, and the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue. Heavy rains, which began in late February, have submerged vehicles and displaced many, continuing a pattern of seasonal floods and landslides in the country.

Tourists and staff had to be airlifted from a national reserve in Kenya following severe flooding that swept through parts of the country. According to Marc Goss, the CEO of the Mara Elephant Project Trust, a few days before the flooding, the Mara River and the Talek River had already burst their banks, prompting many tourists and camp staff to evacuate the camps early. Most visitors in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya were moved to safety before the heavy downpour hit, according to authorities.
At least 42 people have died, with the majority of fatalities reported in the capital city, Nairobi. George Seda, the police chief in Nairobi, explained that some of the victims drowned in the floodwaters while others were electrocuted. He cautioned that the death toll might rise as search and rescue operations continue in affected areas.
The heavy rain began on Friday and continued overnight, causing severe flooding that submerged vehicles and forced motorists in some regions to wade through water that reached hip level to reach higher ground. Kenya has been experiencing heavy rains since late February, which marks the start of the long-rains season. Previous rainy seasons have also led to flooding, landslides, and mudslides, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands of people across the country.