A severe landslide in Kenya’s Marakwet East constituency, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, has led to the tragic loss of at least 21 lives. The incident occurred following weeks of intense downpours, which have overwhelmed the local infrastructure and caused widespread flooding. The interior minister confirmed that 30 additional individuals are still missing, with rescue operations temporarily halted due to the challenging conditions and the scale of the disaster.
Local authorities have expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the region. The suspension of search efforts for the day reflects the limitations faced by emergency responders in navigating the hazardous terrain and recovering the missing individuals. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
Residents of the affected area have reported significant damage to roads and other critical infrastructure, compounding the challenges posed by the natural disaster. The incident has raised questions about the adequacy of current measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, particularly in regions prone to such occurrences. As the search teams regroup, authorities are calling for continued support and solidarity from the community to aid in the recovery process.