A devastating fire broke out late today morning in Watamu. It seems to have spread from a restaurant bar in the town centre towards the Barracuda Resort, which was almost completely destroyed, with many compatriot tourists fleeing.
No casualties are reported but the flames are still spreading due to the strong wind, also attacking private houses and restaurants in the bay.
The Mapango restaurant, inside the Lily Palm Resort, also suffered damage. Some Barracuda tourists managed to gather their belongings and found hospitality in other hotels run by compatriots. The staff of the hotels are trying to tame the flames, while the police, alerted by the consular assistant Marco Cavalli, are called to curb looting by locals from the beach and the interior.
The Honorary Consulate in Malindi Ivan Del Prete is in constant contact with our Embassy, which is following the situation, reassuring the conditions of our compatriots, in coordination with the Farnesina Crisis Unit.
Updates to follow from the portal of Italians in Kenya.