A Flood Wipes Out Oria's Camp and Iain's Research Facility Completely

I guess this really isn't a post about the benefits of traveling abroad, but if you stretch your imagination really really really far I guess you could say that traveling abroad has broadened my respect for other countries and their plights that are not publicized in the media. On March 4th, 12 days after my family arrived back in Indiana, Oria's camp, where we had been staying, and Iain's research facility were completely washed away by a flash flood. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but some of Iain's research could not be saved before the flood hit the facility. The camp was hit first by a 10ft high tsunami-like wave that crushed everything in reach and destroyed the entire camp. The guests got away by escaping in landrovers to high ground, but some of the Samburu warriors who are employed as cooks, guides, and guards had to climb to the tops of trees to avoid be swept away. Then the facility was radioed from the land rovers to warn them of the flooding, and while many of the computers and research was saved, there was not enough time to save it all. The British Royal army and airforce sent money, tents, and aide to rebuild the camp and research facility. Thankfully, Iain and Oria have decided to continue their amazing work despite the terrible blow the flood dealth and despite their age. These people never cease to amaze me in their determination to their cause and their love of elephants. By traveling abroad, I have learned to love the land and the people and the flood affected me and my family almost as much as the people who experienced it. Even though the affect it had was astronomically samller than the earthquake in Haiti, it is still a disaster and traveling to Kenya has made me realize what disasters do to the people it affects. Also a sadly ironic part of the story is that last year a drought hit Kenya killing over 100 elephants and orphaning many more. It is sad because so little water can do so much damage to the elephants, but also too much water can do a lot of damage too. Thankfully, the camp and facility are under construction and are soon to be completed=D. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
Hakuna Matata