21 Killed in Landslide Triggered by Heavy Rain in Western Kenya

A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck Chesongoch in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, part of Kenya’s western Rift Valley region, overnight. According to officials, at least 21 people have been killed and more than 1,000 homes have been destroyed.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said on Saturday that at least 25 seriously injured people were airlifted to the city of Eldoret for treatment. He also mentioned that around 30 people remain missing.

Rescue operations will resume today (Sunday, November 2) with assistance from the army and police. Preparations are underway to deliver food and other relief supplies to the affected areas. Military and police helicopters have been kept ready to deliver emergency materials.

Local sources reported that many residents fled their homes in panic after hearing the rumbling sound of mud and debris during the night.

The Kenyan Red Cross stated that aerial photographs revealed large areas affected by mudslides and flooding. The organization is coordinating rescue efforts with the government.

The hilly region of Chesongoch had previously been prone to landslides. Separate incidents in 2010 and 2012 claimed dozens of lives, while in 2020, severe flooding swept away a shopping center.

Source: Media

khaborwala/TSN