This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
On April 18, 2020, heavy rainfall caused flash floods that swept away homes and business structures in remote villages at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, resulting in a devastating mudslide.
According to Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, at least 4,000 people were displaced, and four people were confirmed dead, with 27 others reported missing.
A team from the Kenya Air Force was deployed to deliver relief supplies from Eldoret to the affected families.
Five police officers and two civilians were airlifted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized medical care, while 13 civilians were treated and discharged from local dispensaries.
Regional County Commissioner George Natembeya stated that the affected area had not rained, and the water came from the mountainous areas of Elgeyo Marakwet, sweeping away an entire shopping center, including a police post.
The Kenya Red Cross coordinated a search and rescue mission, and a team was dispatched to the ground, coordinated by the Regional County Commissioner, with assurance on assistance to the affected families.
West Pokot County experienced a similar humanitarian crisis in November 2019, where more than 50 people died in landslides, leaving dozens of families homeless.
