Africa-Press – Kenya. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday confirmed that 21 people have died in the Marakwet East landslide disaster, while over 30 others remain unaccounted for.
Speaking on the ongoing rescue mission, CS Murkomen said, “We have paused our search and rescue operations for today. We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families.”
He added that 25 people with serious injuries have been airlifted to Eldoret for further medical attention, while those with minor injuries have been attended to locally.
The search and rescue operations are set to resume tomorrow, with teams from the military and police joining local communities and other organisations in the effort.
Murkomen said preparations are underway to supply additional food and non-food relief items to victims, with military and police helicopters on standby to transport the supplies.
He urged residents living near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to move to safer grounds.
“I wish to thank all the organisations, individuals and government agencies, including the county government, for their fast response and cooperation,” CS Murkomen said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to locate missing persons and provide relief to affected families intensify.
“We continue to work in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet, supporting those affected by the landslide and flash floods. Access remains a challenge, but our teams are on the ground ensuring those injured and displaced receive the help they need,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
The landslide follows days of heavy rainfall that have triggered flooding and destruction in several parts of the country.
The region has been rendered largely inaccessible due to heavy flooding, and security teams are searching for viable land routes to bring in additional rescue personnel.
According to data from the United Nations Statistics Division, a landslide is defined as any kind of moderate to rapid soil or rock movement, including lahars, mudslides, and debris flows.
A mudslide, sometimes called a mudflow, on the other hand, is considered a specific type of landslide characterised by the rapid downhill movement of a mass of rock, earth, and debris that is highly saturated with water, often occurring after heavy rainfall.
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