This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
On Friday, a six-story building in Nairobi, Kenya collapsed, claiming the lives of two people and leaving an unknown number trapped under the rubble.
Rescue efforts are underway, with residents of the Tassia estate where the incident occurred being the first to respond and rescue ten people using their bare hands.
According to Nairobi county police chief Philip Ndolo, residents were at the scene of the incident and rescued ten people.
As rescue efforts continue, military personnel and emergency services have arrived at the site to assist with the search and rescue operation.
The Kenya Red Cross has set up psychosocial support services and a tracing desk to assist those affected by the collapse.
Despite the efforts, the number of people trapped remains unknown, with Nairobi regional commissioner Wilson Njenga stating that 57 rooms had been rented out in the building and 22 families lived there.
The building's owner was not available, said Njenga, and did not live in the building.
Heavy rain in the area has made the rescue effort more difficult, stretching resources and making the site less accessible.
It is not immediately clear what caused the accident, but building collapses are common in Nairobi, where housing is in high demand and regulations are not enforced.
A recent survey conducted by Kenya's National Construction Authority found that 58% of the city's buildings were unfit for habitation.
