ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya – At least 21 people have been confirmed dead and more than 30 others remain missing following a devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the government said on Saturday.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that search and rescue operations were temporarily halted due to worsening conditions, but will resume Sunday with additional reinforcements from the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service.
“We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” Murkomen said in a statement.
UPDATE ON THE MARAKWET EAST LANDSLIDE DISASTERWe 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.25 people with serious injuries
At least 25 survivors with serious injuries were airlifted to Eldoret for specialized treatment, while those with minor injuries were treated locally.
Murkomen added that the government is preparing to dispatch more food and non-food relief supplies to the affected families, with military and police helicopters on standby to deliver aid.
He urged residents living near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to move to safer ground, warning of continued risks as heavy rains persist across the region.
“I wish to thank all the organisations, individuals and government agencies, including the county government, for their fast response and cooperation,” he said.
We have arrived in Chesongoch, Marakwet East, to condole with the families who lost loved ones in last night’s deadly landslide that hit the area.We are assessing the humanitarian situation and joining hands in coordinating the ongoing search and rescue efforts and repair of
The landslide, which struck after a night of heavy rainfall, has left parts of Marakwet East inaccessible, complicating rescue efforts.
Local authorities say the number of casualties may rise as teams continue combing through the debris.
The Government has dispatched police and military helicopters carrying medical personnel and Red Cross staff to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
