Death Toll Rises to 26 in Western Kenya Landslide

Strategic Insights -

A devastating landslide in western Kenya has left 26 people dead, with 25 still missing, after the disaster struck on Saturday. Heavy rains have caused flash floods, displacing thousands of people and washing away roads, making the rescue efforts challenging. The government has intensified the search mission, deploying four aircrafts to access the affected area, but rescue efforts were suspended on Sunday due to a flash flood.

Key Takeaways:

  • The death toll from the landslide has risen to 26, with 25 people still missing, according to Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen.
  • The government has deployed four aircrafts to help search teams access the area, which has been completely cut off after roads were washed away.
  • The rescue efforts were suspended on Sunday due to a flash flood, which also affected the Chesongoch area in Kenya's Rift Valley region.
  • Heavy rains continue across Kenya, causing floods in several counties and displacing thousands of people.
  • The government has urged those living in flood or landslide prone areas to move to safer grounds.
  • The government has pledged to cover the medical bills of more than 30 injured people and resettle dozens of others whose homes were swept away.
  • Oscar Okum, regional manager for the Kenya Red Cross, has warned that the Rift Valley area is still susceptible to landslides.
  • The government will airlift supplies to those affected, including to 15 schools that have been cut off, and ongoing national examination papers will be airlifted to candidates.

Statistics:

  • 26 people have been confirmed dead in the landslide.
  • 25 people are still missing, according to Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen.
  • Four aircrafts have been deployed to help search teams access the affected area.
  • 15 schools have been cut off due to the landslide and flooding.
  • More than 30 people have been injured, and their medical bills will be covered by the government.
  • Dozens of people have lost their homes, and the government will resettle them.
  • Thousands of people have been displaced by the floods in several counties across Kenya.

Sources:

  • "Kenya: Death toll from landslide climbs to 26, rescue efforts suspended". The Associated Press, 2023.