Heavy rains in Kenya’s western Rift Valley have led to devastating landslides, claiming at least 21 lives and leaving numerous households destroyed. This natural disaster underscores the ongoing challenges of climate resilience in the region, as communities face the dual burdens of severe weather and the recovery from significant losses.
In a tragic turn of events, heavy rains have triggered landslides in Kenya’s western Rift Valley region, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 individuals and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes, according to local officials. Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, released a statement on X, highlighting that at least 25 individuals with serious injuries have been airlifted from Elgeyo-Marakwet County to the nearest city of Eldoret for urgent medical care, while approximately 30 people remain unaccounted for.
Rescue efforts, supported by military and police assistance, are set to resume on Sunday as authorities mobilize to aid the affected. Murkomen reassured the public that measures are in progress to deliver essential food and non-food relief items to those impacted by the landslides. He noted that military and police helicopters are prepared to facilitate the transport of these crucial supplies.
The landslide took place overnight in the hilly region of Chesongoch, which is part of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, an area heavily influenced by the ongoing short rainy season that has brought heavy rainfall across the country. Local resident Stephen Kittony recounted the harrowing experience, describing a deafening sound that prompted him and his children to flee in separate directions for safety.
The Kenyan Red Cross shared compelling aerial images depicting the extent of the devastation caused by mudslides and flash flooding in the region. The organization is actively coordinating rescue efforts alongside government responders, including comprehensive air evacuations for the injured. They reported that access to several affected areas remains challenging due to ongoing flooding and obstructed roadways.
The hilly area of Chesongoch has historically been susceptible to landslides, having experienced deadly incidents in 2010 and 2012, alongside a catastrophic flood that destroyed a shopping center in 2020. As communities face these relentless natural adversities, the focus will not only be on immediate recovery but also on enhancing infrastructure resilience to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
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