In brief
Severe rainfall in western Kenya has triggered a landslide that resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals. The search for over 30 missing people continues, with many areas still inaccessible. The Kenyan government has paused search operations but plans to resume as rescue efforts are coordinated with local and international aid organizations.
The Kenyan government has confirmed that 21 people have died following a landslide in the western part of the country after heavy rainfall.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the bodies had been transferred to a nearby airstrip following the landslide in Marakwet East late on Friday night. There are over 30 individuals still unaccounted for, as reported missing by their families, and 25 people with serious injuries were airlifted for medical treatment.
The Kenyan Red Cross, coordinating rescue efforts, noted that many affected areas remain inaccessible due to mudslides and flooding.
The government halted search and rescue operations on Saturday evening but indicated plans to resume on Sunday. Efforts are underway to supply food and non-food relief items to victims, with military and police helicopters on standby to transport supplies.
Kenya is currently in its second rainy season, which typically sees shorter bouts of heavy rain compared to earlier periods in the year. Authorities have urged residents near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to vacate to safer locations.
In neighboring Uganda, similar weather conditions have led to flash flooding and landslides, killing several individuals since last Wednesday. The Uganda Red Cross reported additional mudslides that resulted in fatalities in Kapsomo village.
Continuous heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, leading to significant destruction of homes, agricultural fields, and community infrastructure in Uganda.
