The number of deaths from the devastating landslide in western Kenya has increased to 26 after rescue teams recovered four additional bodies on Sunday, just before operations were halted due to a sudden flash flood.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that 25 people remain unaccounted for and explained that the government has expanded the rescue mission, with the military sending four aircraft to reach the disaster zone. The area has been completely cut off after roads were swept away during the massive landslide on Saturday.
However, rescue efforts were interrupted again on Sunday when flash floods from a nearby hill surged through the Chesongoch area in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.
Kenya continues to experience heavy rainfall, and flooding has been reported in multiple counties, forcing thousands of residents from their homes.
Authorities are urging people living in flood-prone or landslide-prone zones to relocate immediately as the intense rain is expected to continue.
Murkomen stated that the government will continue delivering aid by air to isolated communities, including 15 schools now cut off. He added that national examination papers would also be flown to students so their exams are not disrupted.
He further noted that the government will pay medical expenses for more than 30 injured survivors and relocate families whose houses were destroyed.
“It is extremely heartbreaking that some families have lost five to six close relatives,” the minister told reporters on Sunday.
Oscar Okum, the regional manager of the Kenya Red Cross, confirmed that the Rift Valley remains unstable and prone to further slides.
“Today, while we were carrying out rescue and recovery, roads that had just been cleared were covered again by mudslides. So this situation is still active. We urge residents to move to safer areas to protect their lives and livelihoods,” he said.
