Kenya Landslide Deaths Climb to 21, Dozens Still Missing

At least 21 people have died following a landslide in western Kenya triggered by heavy rainfall, with more than 30 still unaccounted for as of today.

The disaster struck late yesterday night in Marakwet East, and the bodies have been moved to a nearby airstrip, according to Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen. “Preparation to supply more food and non-food relief items to the victims is underway,” Murkomen stated on X, adding that military and police helicopters are on standby for transport. Twenty-five individuals with serious injuries have been airlifted for medical care. The ongoing rains are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the region, increasing the risk of further disasters.

Rescue efforts are being hampered by the inaccessibility of the most affected areas due to ongoing mudslides and flash flooding, as reported by the Kenyan Red Cross, which is assisting with coordination. The search and rescue operation was paused Saturday evening but is scheduled to resume Sunday. For information on disaster preparedness, visit the American Red Cross website.

Neighboring Uganda has also been impacted by severe weather, with flash floods and landslides reported since last Wednesday. The Uganda Red Cross reported a mudslide in Kapsomo village today, destroying a home and killing four people inside, and widespread flooding along riverbanks in the Bulambuli District. ReliefWeb provides ongoing updates on the situation in East Africa.

Authorities are urging residents near seasonal rivers and areas prone to landslides to relocate to safer ground, and continue to monitor the evolving weather conditions.