This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Published on December 13, 2019, heavy rains in Kenya caused the River Ewaso Nyiro to burst its banks, stranding tourists and hotel staff at several luxury lodges.
Kenya Wildlife Service personnel and county rangers worked together to evacuate the stranded tourists and hotel staff to safer grounds as the river continued to swell.
Among the affected luxury lodges were Ashnil, Elephant Watch, Elephant Bed Room, West Gate, Intrepid, Samburu Lodge, and Sasaab lodge.
Isiolo County Tourism Director Julius Cheptai coordinated the evacuation efforts, transferring the tourists to nearby Sarova Shaba and Simba lodges.
Heavy flooding has dealt a severe blow to the tourism sector in the region, with some tourist facilities submerged by the rising waters.
The heavy rains have also rendered some areas impassable after destroying roads and bridges.
Isiolo County Governor Mohamed Kuti has ordered people living near the Ewaso Nyiro to move to higher grounds.
