At least 21 people have died and 31 are missing in western Kenya after a landslide triggered by heavy rains yesterday. This was announced today by the country's interior minister, quoted by AFP and dariknews.bg.
“We suspended rescue and search operations today, but they will resume on Sunday“, wrote on the “Ex“ platform Kipchumba Murkomen.
The minister urged “residents living near seasonal rivers and in areas affected by landslides last night to move to safer places“.
In addition to the 21 dead and 31 missing, Murkomen also reported 25 seriously injured people who were being airlifted to the western Kenyan town of Eldoret.
The Kenya Red Cross released aerial footage of the area showing large-scale landslides. The organization said it was coordinating rescue efforts with the government, including airlifting the injured.
“Access to some of the affected areas remains extremely difficult due to flooding and blocked roads,“ the organization said.
Last year's rainy season, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, also had deadly consequences in East Africa - not only in Kenya, but also in neighboring Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda.