Kenya Landslide Death Toll Climbs Amidst Ongoing Rains
NAIROBI, Kenya – The number of people confirmed dead after a landslide in western Kenya has risen to 26. Rescue efforts faced setbacks due to additional flooding, highlighting the challenges of disaster response in the region.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that 25 individuals remain missing. The government is working to locate them, deploying military aircraft to reach the affected area, which has been isolated due to damaged roads.
Heavy rains have been impacting several regions in Kenya, causing floods and displacing many families. The government is encouraging citizens in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations, with forecasts predicting continued rainfall.
Minister Murkomen said the government is committed to providing aid, including delivering essential supplies to cut-off schools and airlifting national exam papers to students. Medical care will be provided for the injured, and efforts are underway to resettle those who have lost their homes.
Oscar Okum of the Kenya Red Cross stressed the ongoing risk of further landslides in the Rift Valley. He urged residents to move to safer areas, emphasizing the importance of protecting lives and livelihoods. The disaster underscores the need for responsible land management and preparedness in the face of natural events.
