Daring rescue saves 8 lives after truck overturns in flash flood!
After 321mm of rain in just three days resulted in widespread flooding across Namunyak Conservancy, a flash flood yesterday morning, on November 3rd 2023, caused a truck with eight passengers to be overturned in a raging river – and a daring rescue ensued.
Travelling south of Samburu’s Sacred Mountain, Ololokwe, the truck – which had women and children on board – was suddenly overwhelmed by flood waters, and at the mercy of a river that had completely burst its banks. What had been a dry river bed only recently had turned into a maelstrom of fast-rushing currents, and desperate bystanders soon witnessed how the passengers were left stranded on top of the overturned truck.
Ian Lekiluai – one of Sarara Camps’ Guides and also a highly skilled rock climber – was in nearby Lerata, his home town and immediately rushed to the scene. The Northern Climber – as he’s affectionately known – is never far from his climbing ropes, harness and belay devices.
Not knowing how stable the truck was, Ian didn’t waste a minute to attempt a rescue. He and a friend secured an anchor, set up a belay, and waded into the water in the hopes of reaching it. The flood waters were however too strong, but fortunately, a helicopter was underway.
Watch Ian’s courageous rescue attempt
Andrew Francombe and Oscar Tundo from Ol Malo, one of Sarara’s neighbouring lodges, coordinated a daring helicopter rescue mission without hesitation. While Andrew navigated extremely difficult weather conditions as pilot, Oscar got all the passengers safely out of the water – despite receiving electric shocks every time he pulled someone out due to a submerged power line nearby!
We are beyond grateful that everyone is unscathed, especially since the truck got swiftly swept downstream only minutes after the last passenger was saved! Ashe oleng to Ian and his friend, Andrew, and Oscar. Your courageous and selfless actions remind us of the incredible spirit of bravery and unity at the heart of this region – and we feel immensely blessed to call it home!
Watch the rescue from Ol Malo’s perspective.
Photo by Sarara Guide, Ian Lekiluai
The events that unfolded once again highlight the importance of our commitment to nature-based solutions in the face of climate change. Many years of extreme weather fluctuations, such as droughts, caused the land to be hardened by the sun – and when excessive rains fell across the region these last few days, water rushed over the ground instead of sinking in. Our Rangeland Management Programs seek to mitigate the challenges, and promote restorative change.
