In brief
The landslide occurred late on a Friday night, triggered by torrential rain, with Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen reporting that the bodies of the deceased have been airlifted and over 30 people are still unaccounted for. Rescue operations remain hindered by adverse weather conditions as officials prepare for further aid.
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 reported that the bodies had been transferred to a nearby airstrip following the landslide in Marakwet East late on Friday night.
He stated on social media platform X that more than 30 individuals are still unaccounted for, as they have been reported missing by their families. Additionally, 25 people with serious injuries have been airlifted for medical attention.
The Kenyan Red Cross is assisting in coordinating rescue efforts, although many affected areas remain inaccessible due to mudslides and flash flooding.
Search and rescue operations were paused on Saturday evening but are set to resume on Sunday, according to government updates. Minister Murkomen remarked, Preparation to supply more food and non-food relief items to the victims is underway, adding that military and police helicopters are on standby to deliver supplies.
This period marks Kenya's second rainy season, characterized by brief but intense wet weather conditions, unlike the more extended rainfalls experienced earlier in the year.
Authorities have urged residents living near seasonal rivers and those in previously affected zones to relocate to safer areas.
In related news, neighboring Uganda has also experienced flash floods and landslides that have resulted in multiple fatalities since last Wednesday.
The Uganda Red Cross reported a recent mudslide in Kapsomo village, which destroyed a home and killed four residents inside. Flooding has notably impacted numerous villages adjacent to riverbanks in Bulambuli District, where persistent heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread destruction of homes and agricultural lands.
