Landslides in Kenya’s Rift Valley leave 21 dead, 30 others missing

At least 21 people have died and more than 1, 000 have been destroyed as a result of heavy rains that have caused landslides in the western Rift Valley region of Kenya, according to officials.

At least 25 people with “serious injuries” have been airlifted from Elgeyo-Marakwet County to the city of Eldoret for medical attention, according to Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for the Interior Kipchumba Murkomen, who spoke to X on Saturday. At least 30 are still missing.

He stated that with the assistance of the police and the military, rescue efforts would resume on Sunday.

“The victims are getting ready to receive more food and non-food relief items,” the president said. He continued, “Military and police choppers are on standby to transport the items.”

Chesongoch, in western Kenya, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, was hit by heavy rain overnight because of the country’s waning short rainy season.

Local Stephen Kittony reported to the Citizen Television station that he heard a deafening noise and that he and his children rushed out of their homes and scurried in different directions.

The Kenyan Red Cross distributed aerial images of the area that showed extensive flash flooding and massive mudslides.

It claimed to be coordinating rescue efforts with the government, including airstrikes for the injured.

In a statement on X, it stated that “access to some of the affected areas continues to be extremely challenging due to flooding and blocked routes.”

After heavy overnight rains caused a landslide and flash floods in Chesongoch, aerial images show how much destruction was being caused.

Working with the national and county governments, Kenya Red Cross teams are coordinating rescue and relief efforts, including air … twitter.com/SrVmFYF5fr