Maasai Mara Association Dismisses Tourist Fatalities in Floods, Confirms No Human Casualties

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The Mara Managers Association refutes claims of tourist deaths amid heavy rains and floods, assuring successful evacuation of all tourists from affected areas.

• Humanitarian and government efforts focus on addressing the aftermath, including infrastructure damage, humanitarian crises, and biodiversity impacts, with multi-agency teams ensuring safe evacuations and establishing assistance points.

A flooded region in Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The Mara Managers Association has moved swiftly to refute claims of tourist fatalities amidst the ongoing heavy rains triggering floods. 

Despite the deluge wreaking havoc, damaging property and displacing wildlife, the Association reassures the public that all tourists in the affected regions have been safely evacuated. 

This assurance, articulated by Mara Association Chairman Harison Nampaso on Saturday, aims to instill confidence among tourists, particularly as the high season, starting in June, approaches.

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Addressing concerns stemming from circulating reports, Nampaso emphasized the absence of human casualties within flooded zones, with all tourists successfully removed from camps and lodges as necessary. 

The statement, made on May 4th, 2024, also cited confirmation from Chief Officer Tourism Samwel Leposo regarding the safety of evacuations and the absence of reported tourist casualties.

While acknowledging the inundation of areas adjacent to the Mara River, Talek River, and Sand River, the Association highlights the dire consequences on both the tourism sector and local economy. 

Bridges vital for connectivity, such as the Talek Gate Bridge and the Mara Simba Bridge, have been rendered impassable or destroyed, exacerbating the region's challenges.

In addition to the toll on tourism, the floods have triggered humanitarian crises, with local communities enduring displacement and scarcity of essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies. 

The repercussions extend to biodiversity, with wildlife habitats submerged, potentially leading to loss of animal life.

In response, the Association calls upon humanitarian organizations to provide vital medical aid, relief supplies, and financial assistance to affected communities. 

They emphasize the urgency of international support and expertise in disaster management to address immediate needs and facilitate recovery efforts.

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These developments follow Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki's confirmation of multi-agency efforts to evacuate individuals from flood-hit areas, including Masai Mara. 

Coordinated ground and aerial operations have ensured the safe removal of individuals, with no reported fatalities. 

A tracing desk has been established to aid in monitoring and assistance at the Masai Mara Sekenani Gate, underlining ongoing efforts to manage the situation effectively.