A landslide in Pokot has killed 29 people. Twelve of them hailed from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central.
Tens of others have been injured and are receiving treatment in different hospitals in West Pokot county and neighbouring regions.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i confirmed the deaths on Saturday saying rescue operations were underway.
“Rescue and recovery efforts led by the Rift Valley Regional Security Committee working in collaboration with other government and humanitarian agencies are ongoing,” Matiang’i said.
The massive landslides were triggered heavy downpour that pounded the region for hours since Saturday dawn leaving a trail of destruction.
The CS said the harsh weather was proving a challenge in their rescue efforts.
“The Government has deployed military and police choppers to scale up responses and respond to immediate needs of affected families. While rescue and recovery efforts remain the priority, a full assessment into the extent of damage caused continues to be a challenge due to harsh weather conditions,” Matiang’i added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the victims of the landslides, saying he has activated disaster response teams including the Kenya Defence Forces.
“My thoughts and prayers, and those of our entire nation are with families, friends and relatives of those who lost their beloved ones in the unfortunate incident. Please accept my heartfelt condolences,” Uhuru said.
He added, “To those whose loved ones are yet to be found, I assure you that the ongoing multi-agency rescue operation will continue until after every missing person is accounted for”.
Earlier on, West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello had called off rescue operation saying most bridges have been swept away hence hindering the operation.
“We are trying to reach where the bridge had been swept by floods, it is still raining,” he said adding that the problem is of a huge magnitude and they have sought more help from the headquarters.
The main road connecting the region between Lodwar and Kapenguria highway has been cut off.
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