Credited from: ALJAZEERA
A devastating landslide in Kenya's western Rift Valley has resulted in at least 26 fatalities and left more than 25 people missing. Heavy rains and subsequent flooding on Saturday sparked this tragedy, prompting urgent responses from the government and local agencies, according to aa and scmp.
The Kenyan Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, confirmed that efforts to airlift survivors and provide medical assistance continue, with at least 25 individuals requiring urgent care. Local officials reported that recovery efforts were severely hindered by ongoing flash floods that have rendered many roads impassable, according to latimes and africanews.
The government has deployed military aircraft to assist in the search and rescue missions, with teams facing challenging conditions as heavy rainfall continues across the region. Murkomen emphasized the need for residents near seasonal rivers to evacuate to safer locations, as authorities prepared humanitarian relief efforts, including food and medical supplies, according to cbsnews and aljazeera.
In light of the frequent occurrence of landslides linked to climate change, the government is urging those in high-risk areas to take necessary precautions. Over the years, Kenya has witnessed numerous fatalities due to similar incidents, underscoring the growing threat posed by extreme weather, as detailed by aa and aljazeera.