The devastating landslide in western Kenya has claimed 26 lives, with four additional bodies recovered on Sunday. Rescue operations were abruptly suspended due to sudden flash floods, complicating efforts to locate the 25 individuals still missing. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government has escalated the search mission, deploying four military aircraft to access the isolated area, where roads were obliterated by the landslide on Saturday. The Chesongoch area in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, already grappling with the disaster, faced further challenges as flash floods forced search teams to abandon the site. Heavy rains persist across Kenya, triggering widespread flooding in multiple counties and displacing thousands of residents. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for those in flood- and landslide-prone areas to evacuate, as the relentless rainfall shows no signs of abating. The government has pledged to airlift essential supplies to affected communities, including 15 schools cut off by the disaster, and ensure the delivery of national examination papers to candidates. Additionally, medical expenses for over 30 injured individuals will be covered, and resettlement efforts are underway for those who lost their homes. Oscar Okum, regional manager for the Kenya Red Cross, emphasized the ongoing risk of landslides in the Rift Valley area, urging residents to relocate to safer grounds to protect their lives and livelihoods.
Kenyan landslide death toll rises to 26 as flash floods hamper search for survivors
