This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
At least 53 people have lost their lives in the West Pokot landslide, which occurred after heavy rains pounded the region.
The Kenya Defense Forces have been deployed as part of a multi-agency search and rescue team to assist in the efforts.
According to the KDF, approximately 22,000 people have been displaced and affected by the landslide, which hit Parua, Nyarkulian, and Muino areas over the weekend.
Due to the increasing number of bodies, some of the recovered bodies had to be transferred to Kitale from the Kapenguria mortuary, which was unable to accommodate them.
Most sections of the Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway and feeder roads were cut off, and health workers had to be airlifted to provide emergency services.
On Monday, Governor John Lonyangapuo airlifted doctors to Muino and Tamkal to attend to survivors, who were growing in number.
‘I am deeply disheartened by the tragic landslides happening in West Pokot. A lot of damage has been done but I however commend the good work from the humanitarian bodies in trying to help the residents. My condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. Poleni,’ said Joseph Oded, Ambassador of Israel to Kenya.
